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Promote Youth Philately<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong><br />
www.nystampclubs.org September / October 2006<br />
ELMIRA PRISONERS’ MAIL<br />
AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES:<br />
KNOW YOUR MATERIAL<br />
NORMAN COHEN<br />
VISITS AFINSA PORTUGAL<br />
WHY DO WE COLLECT?<br />
Journal of the Federation of New York Philatelic Societies
Join the<br />
Cover Society<br />
and Never Miss<br />
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worldwide <strong>for</strong> the excellence<br />
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ARTCRAFT MAKES IT EASY<br />
The ArtCraft Cover Society can<br />
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prices. (The member price <strong>for</strong> a single of a 37¢ issue is only $1.90).<br />
Shipments are sent approximately once a month, and covers are<br />
charged against the balance you have on deposit. No more missed<br />
issues, no dues, no service charges, and no shipping fees. We’ll<br />
enclose a statement of your account in each mailing showing all transactions<br />
since your last mailing and your new deposit balance. When<br />
your balance runs low (and be<strong>for</strong>e you miss a mailing) you’ll be<br />
advised that an additional deposit is necessary. If you wish, you<br />
can authorize us to automatically charge your renewal to the Visa,<br />
MasterCard, or Discover card you specify. And, we can customize your<br />
service to match almost any collecting profile.<br />
START NOW—Visit our website, phone, or write us today to receive<br />
complete in<strong>for</strong>mation on the services we offer and how to join.<br />
The ArtCraft Cover Society<br />
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY 07932<br />
Toll Free: (877) 966-0001 • Internet: www.washpress.com
September / October 2006<br />
Vol. 24 No. 1<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong><br />
. .<br />
Federation of New York<br />
Philatelic<br />
www.nystampclubs.org<br />
Editor<br />
Albert W. Starkweather<br />
5520 Gunn Hwy. Apt. 1406, Tampa, FL 33624-2847<br />
813-962-7964; astarkweather@nystampclubs.org<br />
www.starkweatherdesign.com<br />
Associate Editor<br />
Heather Sweeting<br />
14329 Victory St., Sterling NY 13156-3172<br />
315-947-6761; hsweeting@nystampclubs.org<br />
Contributing Editor<br />
Daniel A. Piazza<br />
753 James St., Apt. 1126, Syracuse, NY 13203-2413<br />
315-476-8052; dpiazza@twcny.rr.com<br />
Advertising Manager<br />
George McGowan<br />
P.O. Box 482, East Schodack, NY 12063-0483<br />
518-479-4396; geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com<br />
Webmaster<br />
Thomas M. Fortunato<br />
28 Amberwood Place, Rochester, NY 14626-4166<br />
585-225-6822; stamptmf@frontiernet.net<br />
Financial<br />
John J. Nunes<br />
80 Fredericks Road. Scotia, NY 12302-5727<br />
518-399-8395; nunesnook@aol.com<br />
Subscriptions<br />
John A. Cali, c/o <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
P.O. Box 401. Fulton, NY 13069-0401<br />
315-592-4441 ; rocket@dreamscape.com<br />
Inc.<br />
Societies,<br />
Contents<br />
President’s Viewpoint................................... 4<br />
Editor’s Perspective...................................... 6<br />
George Fekete Site Seeing:<br />
A Philosophical Approach to Philately.... 8<br />
George McGowan’s Thrifty Philatelist:<br />
Inspired by the “Greatest Generation”.... 10<br />
Ada Prill’s Newcomers’ Corner:<br />
What’s It To You?.......................................12<br />
A. W. Starkweather: Elmira Prison Mail....14<br />
About the Cover<br />
Most prisoners at Elmira’s Civil War prison<br />
camp were housed in tents, even in winter.<br />
Norman Cohen Visits Afinsa.......................18<br />
Alan Warren: Doing Research at NPM... 20<br />
Frank Braithwaite: Avoiding Mistakes......22<br />
Bill Howden: Why Do We Collect?.......... 26<br />
New Yorker Named To USPS Board.......... 28<br />
Heather Sweeting: Vermont DPO Guide...3o<br />
Robert Finnegan: Youth & Philately......... 32<br />
Daniel Piazza: Story Behind the <strong>Stamp</strong>.....33<br />
Communications: A Travel Companion.... 36<br />
Club Pages................................................ 37–61<br />
Piazza Named To Writers’ Unit Position...41<br />
Stepex Honoring State Park...................... 42<br />
An Alternative Wonder............................. 47<br />
Terrill S. Miller: Philatelic Quiz............. 49<br />
Arnold Leiter Dies at 76..............................51<br />
Jeb Maybe?.......................................................58<br />
Canada Post Announces 2007 Program....61<br />
<strong>Shows</strong> & Bourses........................................... 62<br />
Want & Exchange Ads.................................. 64<br />
Heather Sweeting The Last Words:<br />
Does Your Collection Need an Ark?...... 66<br />
Advertiser Indexs...........65<br />
Subscriptions, Copyright, Advertising Rates, Deadlines<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> is published six times per year by the Federation of New York Philatelic Societies <strong>for</strong> the Federation of Central<br />
New York Philatelic Societies, Inc., a non-profit organization, at P.O. Box 401, Fulton, NY 13069-0401. Subscriptions: $6 per year;<br />
inquire of Subscriptions. <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> is sent free to members of participating clubs. Content ©2006 Federation of Central New<br />
York Philatelic Societies Inc.; Design ©2006 Albert W. Starkweather / Design on Demand. <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> and the magnifying glass<br />
logo are trademarks of the Federation. Any portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent, provided credit<br />
is given. Written expression or opinions of the writers are their own and not necessarily those of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> or Federation.<br />
Some product names and images may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only <strong>for</strong> identification and explanation,<br />
without intent to infringe. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t is taken to ensure accuracy, but validity is not guaranteed. Articles by readers are<br />
encouraged. Manuscripts cannot be returned without a large SASE. Electronic submissions are preferred.<br />
Dimensions (In inches) Per Insertion Contract Per Year Save<br />
eBay listing (two lines) Contract Only $ 30.00 —<br />
Small Business Card (2 1/5 × 1) Contract Only $ 60.00 —<br />
Super Business Card (3 × 2 1/4) Contract Only $120.00 —<br />
1⁄2 Page (4 1⁄2 × 3 7⁄16) $ 45.00 $216.00 $54.00<br />
3⁄4 Page Outside Back (4 1⁄2 × 5 1⁄2) $ 60.00 $288.00 $72.00<br />
Full Page (4 1⁄2 × 7 1⁄2) $ 65.00 $152.00 $78.00<br />
Full Page Inside Front or Back Cover $ 75.00 $360.00 $90.00<br />
Centerfold (two full pages) $150.00 $720.00 $180.00<br />
Editorial & ad deadlines <strong>for</strong> the two months following are Dec. 7, Feb. 7, April 15, June 15, Aug. 15, Oct. 15
President’s Viewpoint<br />
John J. Nunes<br />
80 Fredericks Road, Scotia, NY 12302-5727<br />
518-399-8395 — e-mail nunesnook@aol.com<br />
New England ASDA Helping Host Show<br />
Although we were unable to hold a Federation show at the Turning Stone Casino this<br />
year, we have another opportunity <strong>for</strong> a fall show. The New England American <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Dealers Association (NEASDA), which contributed $500 to the Federation in support of<br />
its ef<strong>for</strong>ts to improve communications with the clubs through the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, is offering<br />
to help host a show in Albany on Oct. 21 and 22 — NEASDA Mania.<br />
The Schenectady, Fort Orange, and the Uncle Sam stamp clubs are being asked to support<br />
this endeavor with two volunteers each to assist NEASDA in show setup, operation,<br />
and educational displays and <strong>for</strong>ums. Federation member dealers are invited to attend as<br />
dealers even though they may not be ASDA members.<br />
Federation club members are encouraged to attend as each will be given a 20 percent<br />
discount on all purchases. They will be given a special pass to use to get their discounts. The<br />
show will be at the Clarion Hotel, 3 Watervliet Ave., at Exit 5 of I- 90, just 4 miles from Exit<br />
24 of the New York State Thruway. There is not sufficient time to obtain exhibits <strong>for</strong> competition,<br />
but educational displays are requested. The bourse dealers will offer stamps, postal<br />
history, postcards, ephemera, and numismatic collectibles. Contact me <strong>for</strong> any detail, to<br />
sign up as a dealer, or to get on the mailing list. Contact me at nunesnook@aol.com.<br />
Action and Reaction<br />
The atta-boys continue to roll in on the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>’s trans<strong>for</strong>mation to color and interesting<br />
copy in the last two issues. I have received more than a dozen letters complimenting<br />
us on the trans<strong>for</strong>mation that has occurred.<br />
George McGowen has become our Advertising Manager. He is getting timely funding<br />
from our advertisers and this helps me to pay the bills. He is also becoming a Johnny on the<br />
spot reporter with his camera and is sporting a new nickname, Edward R.<br />
On the other hand, I am disappointed by the lack of turnout at our meetings, true they<br />
are boring, but they need to happen to air grievances and to obtain suggestions <strong>for</strong> improvement<br />
in what the Federation can offer. We are relying on e-mails to get the business<br />
of the Federation accomplished.<br />
I am still compiling a list of speakers and topics <strong>for</strong> the Fort Orange, Schenectady, and<br />
Uncle stamp clubs <strong>for</strong> the coming year. It appears to be a changing agenda with turnover<br />
of our membership. Since the list was not ready <strong>for</strong> this issue of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, we will<br />
e-mail it to the club representatives and place it on the Federation Web site.<br />
The euphoria of Washington 2006 has not abated and has helped bring people to the<br />
last three bourses I have attended. It is hoped that all members will continue to support<br />
and attend the bourses and shows given by our member clubs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
KICK OFF THE FALL<br />
SEASON AT OLEPEX ’06<br />
ANNUAL STAMP SHOW<br />
OF THE OLEAN AREA STAMP CLUB<br />
64 FRAMES OF EXHIBITS • 7 DEALERS • U.S. POSTAL SERVICE<br />
10 A.M.TO 4 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPT. 9<br />
JOHN ASH COMMUNITY CENTER<br />
112 NORTH BARRY STREET, OLEAN, NEW YORK<br />
(1 BLOCK EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTES 417 AND 16)<br />
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING<br />
Route 417<br />
Get Ready <strong>for</strong><br />
NEASDA Mania!<br />
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, October 21<br />
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, October 22<br />
Clarion Hotel, 3 Watervliet Ave., Albany, New York<br />
Just off I-90 Exit 5, 4 miles east of Thruway Exit 24<br />
• <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
• Postal History<br />
• Postcards<br />
• Ephemera<br />
• Numismatics<br />
Rt. 16<br />
Special<br />
Savings<br />
North Barru<br />
20%<br />
Off All Purchases by<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> Readers<br />
Presenting This Coupon<br />
Sponsored by New England ASDA and Nunesnook<br />
John J. Nunes, 518-399-8395, nunesnook@aol.com<br />
80 Fredericks Road, Scotia, NY 12302-5727<br />
Community Center<br />
<br />
September / October 2006
Editor’s Perspective<br />
Albert W. Starkweather<br />
5520 Gunn Hwy 1406, Tampa, FL 33624-2847<br />
e-mail astarkweather@nystampclubs.org<br />
Should We Mourn the Late Scholarly Article?<br />
I<br />
recently had an interesting e-mail dialogue with Francis E. Kiddle about the direction<br />
a great many philatelic journals are taking these days. Kiddle, a resident of the United<br />
Kingdom and chairman of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie Literature Commission,<br />
was reacting to the fact that most journals submitted to the Washington 2006<br />
literature competition were awarded only low silver to bronze awards.<br />
“Philatelic journals have become far more linked to the social side of philately rather<br />
than the more serious learned article,” he wrote. “I am not saying that this is wrong, because<br />
market <strong>for</strong>ces (i.e., members) dictate what is published.”<br />
I have viewed the dumbing down of many publications — specialty and commercial<br />
alike — with dismay, but have come to the realization that this may be what is keeping the<br />
hobby alive as newer collectors join our ranks. In fact, this approach may be one of the factors<br />
in attracting them. To fulfill the Federation’s educational goals, I try to carry a mix of articles<br />
<strong>for</strong> those with different interests and varying skill levels. This includes columns <strong>for</strong> newcomers<br />
and youngsters, as well as content that will appeal to more advanced philatelists.<br />
I have one correspondent who complains that I am running too much fluff, while others<br />
claim that the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>’s content is too dense. Many club columnists wish <strong>for</strong> more<br />
space which is always at a premium.<br />
This issue is a perfect example of having the right space at the wrong time. The feature<br />
material in the front of the book be<strong>for</strong>e the club pages usually is typeset long be<strong>for</strong>e the club<br />
columns begin to drift in, as are all ads. Nearly all of the club correspondents send their concise<br />
reports in a timely manner, but it is the few who file very long columns at the 11th hour or<br />
after the deadline who cause many problems. I usually try to accommodate them by jumping<br />
their excess copy to an open page, although these are scarce after the balance of the book is<br />
completed. Nor can I hold open space on the odds that something may be to be jumped.<br />
I simply cannot handle a great volume of routine copy at deadline, when the remaining<br />
pages must be proofread and prepared <strong>for</strong> printing. It is late and long copy that does not fit<br />
the allotted space that delays getting the journal to the printer as early as possible.<br />
Because of the summer holidays, many club pages ran short, which allowed us to fill the<br />
balance with interesting short items. At deadline I was missing three club reports, one of<br />
which came in right on deadline, another which was filed in the wee hours of the morning<br />
after the deadline, and one that never did arrive — meaning my associate editor had to come<br />
up with suitable content, also in the wee hours. And to compound matters, I learned of the<br />
death of Arnie Leiter on the last afternoon be<strong>for</strong>e we went to press — leaving me to scramble<br />
to assemble a proper obituary and to find a suitable photograph.<br />
<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
John J. Nunes Presents<br />
Three Great Venues<br />
RS <strong>Stamp</strong> Show<br />
Door Prizes • Free Parking • 19 Dealers<br />
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, September 3<br />
Also December 3<br />
Eagles Club #52, 100 Buffalo Road (Route 33), Rochester, New York<br />
Thruway Exits 45 or 47, take I-490 to Exit 7A (Rt. 33 East),<br />
go 1.7 miles east to the Eagles Club on the left<br />
Capital District <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
& Mania <strong>Shows</strong><br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>s • Post Cards • Covers • Supplies • Free Admission & Parking<br />
Monthly Show<br />
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, September 17<br />
Also October 15, December 17, and January 21, 2007<br />
New Mania Show! — NEASDA Mania<br />
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, October 21<br />
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, October 22<br />
Post Card Mania 8<br />
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, November 19<br />
All <strong>Shows</strong> At Clarion Hotel, 3 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY<br />
Just Off I-90 Exit 5, 4 Miles East of Thruway Exit 24<br />
Great Barrington Paper<br />
Mania Show<br />
Covers • <strong>Stamp</strong>s • Post Cards • Ephemera<br />
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, November 26<br />
Berkshire South Community Center, 15 Crissey Road,<br />
Great Barrington, MA (off Route 7)<br />
NUNESNOOK<br />
John J. Nunes, 80 Fredericks Road, Scotia, NY 12302-5727<br />
518•399•8395 • e-mail nunesnook@aol.com
Site Seeing<br />
George T. Fekete<br />
111 Dale Road, Rochester NY 14625-2009<br />
e-mail: gfekete@rochester.rr.com<br />
A Philosophical Approach to Philately<br />
During the Age of Reason philosopher Francis Bacon concluded, “Knowledge is power.”<br />
Three centuries later, Bertrand Russell mused, “There is much pleasure to be gained<br />
from useless knowledge.” Nobel laureate Ernest Ruther<strong>for</strong>d posited, “All science is either<br />
physics or stamp collecting.”<br />
These pearls of wisdom segue to this month’s column: philatelic in<strong>for</strong>mation online.<br />
Some of my favorite online in<strong>for</strong>mation sources:<br />
Specialty sites abound. My favorite, www.1847usa.com, covers U.S. stamps through<br />
the 1970s, with a strong section on the Washington–Franklins. The Smithsonian Institution’s<br />
National Postal Museum maintains www.arago.si.edu, a site dedicated to the study<br />
of philately, primarily U.S., and U.S. postal operations. If you like philatelic exhibits — and<br />
are multilingual — EXPONET (www.japhila.cz/hof) is your personal cornucopia.<br />
Although I often visit many of the scores of club sites, I’ll mention only a few. A great place<br />
to find in<strong>for</strong>mation on worldwide philately is www.virtualstampclub.com. The American<br />
Philatelic Society (www.stamps.org) provides a great deal of useful in<strong>for</strong>mation and is<br />
also a portal to other in<strong>for</strong>mative sites, including its sister organization, the American Philatelic<br />
Research Library (www.stamplibrary.org/thelibrary/lib_abouttheaprl.htm).<br />
A popular site sponsored by the Collectors Club of Chicago is www.askphil.org, where<br />
you can find answers to general questions about philately. Last, but not least, don’t <strong>for</strong>get<br />
local club and federation sites, like the Federation (www.nystampclubs.org).<br />
Dealer sites and auction sites often contain more in<strong>for</strong>mation than a listing of lots and<br />
prices. My January / February 2006 column, Scratching the Philatelic Itch <strong>Online</strong>, addressed<br />
dealer sites in detail. A word of caution: We cannot vet the business behind each referenced<br />
link in the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, so be sure to do your homework be<strong>for</strong>e making a purchase!<br />
Message boards, chat rooms, and news groups include Frajola’s Board <strong>for</strong> Philatelists<br />
(www.kbnet.com/book/html/frajolaboard.html). You may want to check out the eBay<br />
Chat Room (chatboards.ebay.com/chat.jsp?<strong>for</strong>um=1&thread=28. With a newsgroup<br />
reader, such as the one in Outlook Express, you can subscribe to the Recreational Collecting<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>s Discussion (rec.collecting.stamps.discuss) which is devoted to worldwide stamp<br />
and postal history discussions. There is no fee and you will receive no unwanted e-mails.<br />
Postal administrations around the world maintain Web sites, primarily <strong>for</strong> commerce;<br />
many contain supplementary in<strong>for</strong>mation. For example, you can view postal rates and<br />
new issues at the USPS site (www.usps.com). Links to other postal administrations can<br />
be found on the Universal Postal Union site (www.upu.int).<br />
Gotta go — surf ’s up!<br />
<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
TOPICALS<br />
In Award Winning Varieties PROOFS, ESSAYS, ERRORS<br />
ENGRAVINGS<br />
APPROVAL and MAIL SALES<br />
FRANCE and COLONIES<br />
• Die Proofs<br />
• Printer’s Color Die Proofs<br />
• Deluxe Sheets<br />
• Artist Drawings<br />
Write or call today to discuss your personal interests.<br />
MAIL SALES<br />
• Sepia Inspection Sheets<br />
• Collective Sheets<br />
• Trial Colors<br />
• Imperfs<br />
E. JOSEPH McCONNELL, INC.<br />
P.O. Box 683 • Monroe, NY 10949-0035<br />
Phone 845-496-5916 • Fax 845-782-0347<br />
ejstamps@gmail.com • www.ejmcconnell.com<br />
APPROVALS<br />
Syracuse <strong>Stamp</strong>, Coin<br />
&Collectibles Show<br />
Central New York’s largest philatelic show. Dealers to buy,<br />
sell, trade stamps, coins, covers, post cards, paper collectibles.<br />
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. September 10<br />
Holiday Inn<br />
Thruway Exit 35 — Carrier Circle<br />
More <strong>Shows</strong> at the Same Location<br />
November 11–12<br />
Feb. 11, March 31–April 1, and Sept. 9, 2007<br />
Contact Ed Bailey<br />
P.O. Box 2338, Syracuse, NY 13220-2338<br />
Phone 315-452-0593<br />
September / October 2006
Collecting<br />
George McGowan<br />
P.O. Box 482, East Schodack, NY 12063-0483<br />
e-mail geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com<br />
Major Reuben Fleet on the left briefs airmail pilot Lt. George Boyle be<strong>for</strong>e he begins<br />
his flight on May 15, 1918. It didn’t help. Boyle still got lost,<br />
Inspired by the ‘Greatest Generation’<br />
It is so interesting to see how many different ways people collect stamps and covers. If<br />
you talk to enough collectors you will discover a multitude of subjects, topics, locations,<br />
individuals, and areas — some common, some esoteric.<br />
Many of my philatelic friends know that I collect Consolidated’s flying boat, the PB-Y,<br />
or Catalina as the British named her. Why the PB-Y? It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t good looking.<br />
It wasn’t even very famous. However, it was the plane that my dad flew on. He was a radioman<br />
on one <strong>for</strong> 12 months of his more than three years in the Navy during World War II.<br />
Like all kids of the 1950s and 1960s I would ask, “What did you do in the war daddy?”<br />
and he would just say that he was a radioman on a PB-Y on submarine patrol off the South<br />
American coast. It wasn’t until after he died that my aunt told me that he was responsible <strong>for</strong><br />
rescuing two crew mates after a <strong>for</strong>ced landing. Like so many of his Greatest Generation, they<br />
did their job, came home, built the greatest country in the world, and rarely talked about it.<br />
While going though some of dad’s things, I found a book on flying boats that I had given<br />
him years be<strong>for</strong>e. It had a chapter on the PB-Y, and after reading it, I began further research<br />
and found a philatelic connection. Many countries have issued stamps honoring the PB-Y <strong>for</strong><br />
its war record and its years of commercial service after the war. Shown here is a FDC from<br />
Wallis and Futuna commemorating a first flight in 1947, and a recent 37-cent U.S. issue.<br />
Editor’s Note: The amphibious patrol bomber severely limited German submarine activities<br />
in the Atlantic. More than 4,000 PB-Ys were built and more than 30 are still flying.<br />
Consolidated Aircraft Corp. was founded in Buffalo by Reuben H. Fleet who established<br />
the first U.S. government air mail from Washington to New York on May 15, 1918.<br />
10 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
Our Pledge to You<br />
We have assisted thousands of stamp collectors over the past<br />
23+ years in realizing their goals. We are happy to serve<br />
the beginner and specialist alike. Our reputation as one of the world’s<br />
leading buyers of philatelic properties, combined with our staff of<br />
experts, consistently yields a stunning inventory of worldwide treasures.<br />
When the time comes to sell your collection, accumulation or dealer<br />
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Buying and Selling<br />
U.S., U.N., Canada, Europa, and Other Fine Worldwide — Visit our<br />
Web site <strong>for</strong> an in-depth view of the scope of our offerings.<br />
You are always welcome to visit us, but please call first so that we<br />
can devote our time to you. We have 6,500 square feet of stamps!<br />
Henry Gitner Philatelists, Inc.<br />
Philately — The Quiet Excitement!<br />
P.O. Box 3077 / 53 Highland Ave.<br />
Middletown, New York 10940-0800<br />
www.hgitner.com e-mail hgitner@hgitner.com<br />
1–800–947–8267 845–343–5151 Fax 845–343–0068<br />
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex
What’s It To You?<br />
12 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Newcomers’ Corner<br />
Ada M. Prill<br />
130 Trafalgar St., Rochester NY 14619-1224<br />
e-mail aprill@rochester.rr.com<br />
Take a look at the stamp shown. Is there one of these in<br />
your collection? What kind of collector wants this particular<br />
stamp? This stamp would fit nicely into several collections,<br />
including:<br />
• Belgium,<br />
• semipostal (charity) stamps of Europe (or the world),<br />
• statues on stamps,<br />
• horses on stamps,<br />
• weaponry on stamps,<br />
• saints / religious figures on stamps,<br />
• carmine (or red) stamps,<br />
• stamps issued in 1941, and<br />
• stamps issued during World War II.<br />
This stamp could also fit into a collection of folk festivals — St. Martin’s Day is<br />
celebrated on November 11 in parts of Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands,<br />
Scandinavia, and eastern Europe with children’s parades featuring homemade<br />
lanterns. Other countries all over Europe from Portugal to Estonia celebrate the festival<br />
in some manner.<br />
Or maybe you would rather celebrate charitable giving; St. Martin cut his cloak in two<br />
to give half to a freezing beggar.<br />
Or music: There are special songs <strong>for</strong> children to sing on St. Martin’s Day.<br />
Or the history of Sint Maarten / St. Martin, the dual Dutch–French Caribbean island<br />
in the West Indies Leeward Islands group.<br />
Or some other aspect of this stamp that I haven’t spotted.<br />
What is the right way to collect this (or any other) stamp? Whatever way satisfies you<br />
is the right way to collect. It’s your collection — do your own thing!<br />
About St. Martin and St. Martin’s Day<br />
St. Martin of Tours started out as a Roman soldier. He was baptized as an adult, became a<br />
monk, and eventually was elevated to Bishop of Tours.<br />
Like many other Christian celebrations, St, Martin’s Day coincides with pagan rituals<br />
from the pre-Christian era. It falls at the same time as the early winter festivities of light<br />
and fertility celebrated by the pagans. In England the day was called Martinmas. It was<br />
immediately followed by the beginning of Advent, 40 days of reflection and penance in<br />
preparation <strong>for</strong> Christmas.
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September / October 2006 13
Elmira Prisoners’ Mail<br />
Brings History Alive<br />
By Albert W. Starkweather<br />
When visitors are overcome<br />
by the serenity<br />
and solitude of Woodlawn<br />
National Cemetery in Elmira,<br />
they may find it difficult to<br />
recall that one of the most infamous<br />
prison camps of the<br />
Civil War once stood nearby.<br />
The Elmira prison camp,<br />
nicknamed Hellmira, is often<br />
likened to Andersonville, the<br />
southern death camp.<br />
In a year thousands of<br />
Confederate prisoners passed<br />
through the camp, which<br />
received its first 399 POWs<br />
on July 6, 1864 and reached<br />
its maximum population<br />
of 9,480 by September 1 of<br />
the same year. Despite Gen.<br />
Robert E. Lee’s surrender on<br />
April 9, 1865, the final group<br />
of prisoners did not leave<br />
Elmira until July 11.<br />
Thousands of Confederate<br />
prisoners perished in the camp from dysentery, smallpox, starvation, and other campand<br />
prison-related illnesses. Nearly 3,000 are buried on a two and a half-acre section of<br />
Woodlawn. The souls of the living and dead were tended by the prison chaplain, the Rev.<br />
Thomas K. Beecher, a pro-slavery advocate whose sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, was the<br />
abolitionist who penned Uncle Tom’s Cabin.<br />
Of interest to postal historians are examples of prisoners’ mail, which was routinely<br />
handled through the Elmira post office after being censored by examiners at the camp.<br />
Cleared letters received an oval handstamp: Prisoner’s Letter / Examined / Elmira, N.Y. A<br />
total of 93 covers have been recorded by Galen D. Harrison, author of Prisoners’ Mail from<br />
the American Civil War published in 1997.<br />
Continued on Page 16<br />
14 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Final Resting Place<br />
A scene of a guard post at Elmira prison camp <strong>for</strong>ms a<br />
backdrop <strong>for</strong>, clockwise, a view of Confederation graves<br />
at Woodlawn National Cemetery, an individual grave,<br />
and a monument to the Confederate fallen.
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Elmira Prisoners’ Mail — Continued from Page 14<br />
While many lack contents and offer little more than a record that a particular cover<br />
was mailed from the prison to somebody at a particular address, some offer great insight<br />
into the prison, the fate of letter writer, if a name is attached, and sometimes into the<br />
addressee. Fairly comprehensive lists of prisoners at the camp and burials at Woodlawn<br />
can be found online. At first, the dead were buried in mass unmarked graves, but John W.<br />
Jones, the cemetery’s sexton, began to insist that the Confederate dead be interred in individual<br />
graves marked with headstones. Jones, who was born a slave in Loudon County,<br />
Virginia, kept meticulous records of each death, and supervised each burial personally.<br />
Posthumous Letter: Israel<br />
D. Chapman, a Confederate<br />
prisoner of war imprisoned<br />
in Elmira, New York, wrote<br />
a letter to William Chapman<br />
at the Harrisonville,<br />
Maryland Post Office in Baltimore<br />
County. The cover<br />
received the examiner’s<br />
oval handstamp. An Elmira<br />
circular date stamp was applied<br />
on December 5, 1864<br />
to Scott No. 65. A pen date of Dec. 4, 1864 was added, along with From I. D. Chapman.<br />
The address, pen date, and from line are all in different handwriting. The contents are<br />
missing, but the implication is that the prisoner had begun a letter that was not mailed<br />
until more than a month after his death when it may have turned up in his belongings.<br />
Chapman enlisted in the 23rd Virginia Infantry Company H at Wytheville on April 1,<br />
1863 and was captured at Harpers Ferry on July 8, 1864. He was sent to the Old Capitol<br />
Prison in Washington, DC, and later transferred to Elmira where he died of diarrhea on Oct.<br />
24, 1864. He is buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery grave No. 858.<br />
Southern Leanings: The addressee of a second letter was not Edwin Thomas Booth, the actor<br />
brother of John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, but rather Edwin<br />
Gilliam Booth (1810–1866),<br />
a well-known Philadelphia<br />
lawyer and a <strong>for</strong>mer Virginian<br />
with southern leanings.<br />
This letter from Elmira was<br />
possibly a plea <strong>for</strong> help with<br />
a parole. His son, Dr. Edwin<br />
Gilliam Booth, a Confederate<br />
surgeon, was a Union prisoner<br />
in the state of Florida at<br />
the same time.<br />
16 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Top courtesy of Robert Markovits; bottom courtesy of Alan Parsons
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Clockwise from upper left: the front entrance; the Lisbon Post Office next door; Cohen’s<br />
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A Visit To Afinsa Portugal<br />
By Norman A. Cohen<br />
Yes Virginia, there still is an Afinsa Portugal! While on vacation in Lisbon, Portugal<br />
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stamps to mail cards and letters to Dallas.<br />
I was following the directions: “down the street two blocks and on the right side,” when<br />
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18 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
stamps from this shop<br />
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September / October 2006 19
NPM A Boon <strong>for</strong> Researchers<br />
By Alan Warren<br />
Whether you are researching in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> your own interests, <strong>for</strong> an exhibit, or<br />
to obtain facts <strong>for</strong> an article or monograph, do not overlook the tremendous font<br />
of in<strong>for</strong>mation that is available in our nation’s icon of philately, the National Postal Museum.<br />
Under the leadership of Director Allen Kane and Chief Curator Wilson Hulme, the<br />
museum has been brought into the public eye. Collectors and philatelic writers need to be<br />
aware of the wealth of in<strong>for</strong>mation to be found at NPM.<br />
In recent years, using specialists, consultants, the Council of Philatelists volunteer<br />
group, and an ever-increasing staff, the museum’s holdings are being evaluated, organized,<br />
and made available to the public using 21st century technology. Much research can<br />
be done online but it sometimes is necessary to actually visit the NPM, which is across the<br />
street from Union Station in Washington, DC.<br />
The NPM library is one of the 19 branches of the Smithsonian library system. It houses<br />
more than 5,000 books, 6,000 serial titles, and extensive files of manuscripts, photographs,<br />
stamps and auction catalogs. Some specialized collections include files of the USPOD, the<br />
Highway Post Office, the Aerial Mail Service, the Railway Mail Service, and the Panama<br />
Canal Zone Post Office. To examine the library’s extensive materials in person, it is necessary<br />
to make an appointment and to indicate the subjects and the kinds of in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
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20 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
sought. To make an appointment or seek<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation, contact NPM Librarian Paul<br />
McCutcheon at 202-633-5544, or by e-mail<br />
at mccutcheonp@si.edu.<br />
In an ef<strong>for</strong>t to make the collections even<br />
more accessible the NPM has introduced its<br />
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Web sites you may wish to bookmark are:<br />
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September / October 2006 21
Avoid Costly Mistakes:<br />
Know Your Material!<br />
By Frank Braithwaite<br />
I<br />
’d like to tell you a story about a stamp collector I know — let’s call him Bob. Many years<br />
ago he saw an auction listing <strong>for</strong> a cover with a Stoney Brook RR (railroad) cancel. He had<br />
only recently started collecting Long Island postal history and was not familiar with all of the<br />
post offices and cancels. He pounced on this cover and was thrilled to win it <strong>for</strong> a mere 20<br />
bucks. A few days later, he received it in the mail, and proceeded to do a little research. Bob<br />
found out (the hard way) that although there was a Stoney (Stony) Brook post office on Long<br />
Island, there never was a Stoney Brook RR cancel. Had he done the most casual research<br />
prior to bidding, he would have found out that this railroad was in Connecticut.<br />
I’m sure I fooled no one<br />
with the Bob name; I am not<br />
embarrassed about this feat<br />
of laziness, rather, I am glad<br />
it happened. The sting of<br />
paying <strong>for</strong> something that<br />
had no place in my collection<br />
caused me to make immediate<br />
changes in the way I was<br />
going to pursue material;<br />
hence the title of our discussion:<br />
Know Your Material!<br />
First and <strong>for</strong>emost, every collector should own as much research material on his / her<br />
subject as the pocketbook allows. Much too often I hear, “I would rather spend my money<br />
on stamps.” My response to this can be summed up in three words: Stoney Brook RR. For<br />
the beginner or someone on a fixed income, there are many free or inexpensive resources.<br />
The American Philatelic Research Library, and a host of other philatelic libraries too<br />
numerous to mention here, have programs in place to loan books <strong>for</strong> a small fee. Some<br />
have photocopy service and some are getting involved with compiling data on CDs. The<br />
drawback, of course, is the waiting period <strong>for</strong> this material to arrive. If it is a time sensitive<br />
purchase, such as an auction, it is advantageous to have the book at your fingertips.<br />
As far as free goes, there is a method that I have been successfully cultivating <strong>for</strong><br />
years — acquiring as many philatelic friends as possible. Many times I have seen material<br />
that intrigues me, but if I do not know enough about it, I’ll shoot off a brief e-mail to a<br />
fellow collector who specializes in that material, and usually get a detailed response. Most<br />
collectors are thrilled to share their knowledge with others. Remember, constant education<br />
is the key to successful and enjoyable collecting.<br />
22 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Stoney Brook: What a difference an “e” makes.<br />
Continued on Page 24
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September / October 2006 23
Know Your Material — Continued from Page 22<br />
Sometimes there is material in your collecting area that can be difficult to identify or<br />
expertly faked. For instance, any collector of Washington / Franklins knows there are many<br />
per<strong>for</strong>ation, watermark, and printing varieties of these stamps. I recently submitted a W / F<br />
stamp <strong>for</strong> expertisation and got a negative opinion; the stamp had been reper<strong>for</strong>ated. In this<br />
case, I did not know my material, but I knew enough to send it to an expert. The dealer I bought<br />
it from was surprised, but refunded my money. Whether you are buying from a dealer or auction<br />
house, make sure they have a policy <strong>for</strong> returning improperly described material.<br />
Knowing your material is especially important when purchasing on eBay. While I<br />
believe that most sellers are trying their best to describe material correctly, some are<br />
noncollectors dumping grandpa’s collection and a few are thieves trying <strong>for</strong> a quick buck.<br />
Without the ability to examine the stamp or cover, you are armed only with the knowledge<br />
of your collecting interests. Most dealers will respond to an e-mailed question about the<br />
item and some have return policies, but most do not.<br />
You also need to be realistic about the price you expect to<br />
receive; know what your material is going <strong>for</strong> on the open<br />
market. Some collectors have unrealistic expectations.<br />
When that day finally comes to sell your beloved collection, knowing your material<br />
is equally as important as when you are buying it. Dealers are not experts in every field<br />
of philately and frequently I find that I know more about my specialized area than they<br />
do. This is not a knock on the dealers; they need to have a broad knowledge of our hobby,<br />
and cannot retain all the minutiae that a specialist in his field can. Your job is to properly<br />
describe your material to the dealer, so they can price it accordingly.<br />
You will also need to be realistic about the price you expect to receive; know what your<br />
material is going <strong>for</strong> on the open market. Some collectors have unrealistic expectations. If<br />
you collected seconds at 10– 20 percent of catalog value, you will be lucky to receive 5–10<br />
percent from a dealer, if you can even find one interested in that type of stuff. On the flip<br />
side, if you paid 900 times catalog <strong>for</strong> a superb National Parks stamp, I am pretty sure you<br />
won’t be getting a return anywhere near that, even if you live another 50 years.<br />
Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying; I think we should all collect what makes us<br />
happy. If you know what a stamp is worth and still want to pay 900 times catalog, knock<br />
yourself out! No matter what you collect or how much you pay <strong>for</strong> it, you will always view<br />
your collection with a smile if you take the time to know your material.<br />
Frank Braithwaite is a member of the Empire State Postal History Society. He is also Long<br />
Island Vice President of the Federation of New York Philatelic Societies, Inc.<br />
It’s Your Turn Now<br />
Buy in haste; repent at leisure. Have you ever made a philatelic purchase that still<br />
hurts when you think about it? Share your story with us. We feel your pain!<br />
24 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
Big Box of Stuff<br />
One Box…$46.00<br />
Three Boxes…$125.00; Six Boxes…$240<br />
13 Boxes (Baker’s Dozen)…$495<br />
This is one of our most popular selling items! We've sold thousands of these lots<br />
via our ads in Mekeel’s & <strong>Stamp</strong>s, Linn’s and on eBay; and we receive numerous<br />
re-orders! This lot contains a myriad of philatelic material, ranging from pure trash<br />
to some exquisite delights that include retired inventory, postcards, QSL cards,<br />
covers, stamps, unsold/unclaimed eBay lots, FDC’s, navals, events, <strong>for</strong>eign and<br />
U.S. commercial covers. No two boxes are exactly alike. The Priority mailing box<br />
that holds all this fascinating material measures approximately 12 3/4" long, 11 1/2"<br />
wide and 2 1/2" high! Each box contains HUNDREDS of items! We started making<br />
these bulk wholesale surprise lots years ago, and they've caught on like wildfire!!!<br />
You'll find the good, the bad, and the ugly in this lot. It’s a great lot <strong>for</strong> people who<br />
like to sort out “stuff.” You’ll also like the stamps we use to ship this lot!<br />
TERMS: New York State residents must include sales tax; Payment must accompany all<br />
orders, make your check payable to: The Cover Connection; delivery is restricted to addresses<br />
in the United States; Offer expires March 1, 2006.<br />
Visit our eBay Store <strong>for</strong> thousands of exciting items: www.thecoverconnection.com.<br />
The Cover<br />
Connection<br />
P.O. Box 173<br />
Niagara Square Station<br />
Buffalo, NY 14201-0173<br />
Member ASDA, APS,<br />
USCS, AFDCS (Life)<br />
CashPaid<br />
For Worldwide Postal History<br />
and Historical Letters.<br />
We seek 19th century or earlier, but will consider anything pre-1960,<br />
including family correspondences and WWI, WWII soldier’s and warrelated<br />
mail, individual letters, diaries, ship logs, documents, manuscripts,<br />
broadsides, and accumulations of all kinds. We also buy postcards<br />
(Pre-1940 U.S. & Worldwide). Also: stampless covers and autographs.<br />
Free appraisals, quick decision, and we pay you immediately! We also<br />
cover all postage costs.<br />
www.fredschmitt.com<br />
WE BUY HISTORY ON PAPER!<br />
Member: Manuscript Society, ASDA,<br />
APS, PTS (London), CSDA (Canada)<br />
Since<br />
1953<br />
Fred<br />
Schmitt<br />
Schmitt<br />
Investors Ltd.<br />
International Postal History Specialists Since 1953<br />
P.O. Box 387-Ins • Northport NY 11768-0387<br />
Phone: (631) 261-6600 (24 hours)<br />
Fax: (631) 261-7744 • E-Mail: fred@fredschmitt.com<br />
September / October 2006 25
Accumulation, Collection, Specialty:<br />
Why Do We Collect?<br />
By Bill Howden / Olean <strong>Stamp</strong> Club<br />
Much has been written about the human propensity to collect, and why. One does<br />
not need an income in order to collect. One can collect string, newspapers, marbles,<br />
fine art, books, animals, shoes, cars, or stamps.<br />
One person’s trash is another’s treasure and anything is collectible, although there is a<br />
hierarchy in place which relegates many collections to a lowly status, ranks others as more important,<br />
or worthy, and elevates an exclusive few that are beyond the financial and intellectual<br />
reach of most people. <strong>Stamp</strong> collecting was called the hobby of kings, but part of the attraction<br />
<strong>for</strong> the masses was that even the poorest of people could collect stamps, and they did.<br />
Distinctions have been made between an accumulation, merely a pile of something; a<br />
collection, which is an orderly and specific accumulation; and a specialty, a researched<br />
and written up specific collection which may develop into a fly-speck specialty where a<br />
specific object is collected and studied <strong>for</strong> minute differences.<br />
Collecting makes us feel good. It is a diversion<br />
from everyday exertions of having to work <strong>for</strong> a living.<br />
One generally begins by accumulating a large number of items of interest be<strong>for</strong>e deciding<br />
a particular section of the accumulation is more interesting or more important and<br />
then begins to study and learn more about the object of interest. If a specific object is of<br />
interest and is studied to its eventual end, one then must spread out to more general areas<br />
in order to find another area of interest.<br />
Why collect? For profit? One can often find something <strong>for</strong> a song and eventually find<br />
someone with a like interest to perhaps buy it <strong>for</strong> a few dollars more. Chances are one<br />
would not get rich doing this.<br />
Gold, diamonds, stocks and bonds can be good items to collect <strong>for</strong> investment — just<br />
remember that someone tried that with silver — but collecting stamps <strong>for</strong> investment is<br />
not a really good idea. Someone tried that too! One would have to live <strong>for</strong> a really long<br />
time be<strong>for</strong>e most stamp investments would produce as much interest as putting the same<br />
amount of money into a savings account.<br />
As <strong>for</strong> ownership, there is actually very little that people actually own. We may buy and<br />
collect cars, land, buildings, and even stamps, but we do not really own them. We are<br />
mere stewards, or caretakers, who tend the items until we either dispose of them or we die.<br />
Then someone else has the responsibility of caring <strong>for</strong> them.<br />
The ultimate reason <strong>for</strong> collecting has to be <strong>for</strong> fun! Collecting is something people do,<br />
first of all, <strong>for</strong> enjoyment, the thrill of the hunt, and the excitement of finally achieving a<br />
goal of possessing some elusive gem <strong>for</strong> one’s collection.<br />
26 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Continued on Page 28
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Senate Confirms New Yorker To USPS Board<br />
T<br />
he U.S. Senate has confirmed four nominees to the U.S. Postal Service Board of<br />
Governors, including Katherine C. Tobin of Hartsdale, NY, <strong>for</strong> a term ending Dec. 8,<br />
2012. She has more than 15 years of market research experience with Hewlett–Packard<br />
Co.; Catalyst, a nonprofit research and advisory organization dedicated to women’s advancement<br />
in business; and as a consultant to IBM Corp. The other nominees are from<br />
Kentucky, New Mexico, and Nevada.<br />
The board is comparable to that of a private corporation. It includes nine governors<br />
who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The nine governors select<br />
the Postmaster General, who becomes a member of the board, and those 10 select the<br />
Deputy Postmaster General, who also serves on the board. The Postmaster General serves<br />
at the pleasure of the governors <strong>for</strong> an indefinite term. The Deputy Postmaster General<br />
serves at the pleasure of the governors and the Postmaster General.<br />
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Ph: 941-376-5689 Fax: 941-493-1490<br />
qualitystamps@verizon.net<br />
Please contact us <strong>for</strong> more in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
usstampsusa.com<br />
Specializing in U.S. <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
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Business Phone: 315-506-6843<br />
Business Fax: 315-506-6827<br />
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Opinion — Continued<br />
from Page 26<br />
Collecting makes us feel<br />
good. It is a diversion from<br />
everyday exertions of having<br />
to work <strong>for</strong> a living. It is<br />
something we do because we<br />
want to, not because we have<br />
to. We can start a collection,<br />
<strong>for</strong>get it <strong>for</strong> 20 years, then<br />
get back into it with nothing<br />
lost, and still have the same<br />
fun. Or one can collect <strong>for</strong> 60<br />
years and still maintain the<br />
same enthusiasm as when<br />
one first started.<br />
What gives value to the<br />
act of collecting is the ef<strong>for</strong>t,<br />
time, and research committed<br />
to the collection: To<br />
learn as much as possible<br />
so one has a sense of fulfillment<br />
and meaning <strong>for</strong> an<br />
enjoyable pastime.<br />
Learning never ends, and<br />
knowledge is power. Long<br />
live collecting!<br />
28 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
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• Souvenir Card • Special Show Cancel<br />
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Review: Exploring Vermont’s DPOs<br />
By Heather Sweeting<br />
Vermont DPO Guide 2006 edited by Bill Lizotte. 8!/ × 11 inches, 28 pages, soft cover,<br />
saddle stitched ©2006 Vermont Philatelic Society. All color illustrations.<br />
Available from Glenn A. Estus, P. O. Box 451, Westport, NY 12993. $17 postpaid.<br />
This year the Vermont Philatelic Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As part<br />
of the special occasion it recently has published the<br />
Vermont DPO Guide 2006. The compilation of in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
<strong>for</strong> this publication is the result of more than 30 years of<br />
research by member Mike McMorrow and others.<br />
The 28-page guide is a comprehensive listing of all the<br />
discontinued post offices within the state, accompanied<br />
by a rarity valuation. It is printed on heavy bright folded<br />
paper with a stronger ivory card stock cover. The entire<br />
publication is done in color, and the color illustrations of<br />
postmarks and covers are all clear and readable. The booklet<br />
is an update of previous DPO rating guides published by<br />
the VPS in 1982 and 1996.<br />
The first six pages illustrate numerous examples of scarce<br />
covers from some of the shortest lived / rarest known postal<br />
hamlets, including the only known example from the Huntville Post Office. Elaborate descriptions<br />
of postal markings, stamps, and rarity of usage accompany these illustrations.<br />
It is fascinating to note that some of the rarest cancels originate after the year 1960 in<br />
short-lived rural offices.<br />
The following section begins with an explanation of the scarcity rating system. The scale<br />
is from 1 to 10, with 1 being common (valued at $3–$5) and 9 being extremely rare (valued at<br />
up to $2,000). A rating of 10 means that there are no known examples from that post office.<br />
Also included in this edition are separate price and rarity listings <strong>for</strong> each period of service<br />
<strong>for</strong> a post office. It was not uncommon <strong>for</strong> offices to open and close repeatedly, with a<br />
slightly different name, or even the same name in the early days of service.<br />
Occasionally two separate offices existed at various time periods with the same name.<br />
The listings of urban branches, rural stations, and closures of more modern offices that<br />
have been recently discontinued are also included.<br />
Pages 13–28 list each of the DPOs with their ratings, years of service, and, in<br />
some cases, a township name in parentheses after the post office name to aid<br />
with its location. Interspersed throughout this section are small color examples<br />
of the postmarks.<br />
If you are a fan of postal history or someone who collects postal markings from Vermont<br />
this publication would be highly beneficial to you. It is clear and concise and easily<br />
slipped into a briefcase to take to a stamp or postcard show <strong>for</strong> handy reference.<br />
30 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
NEW UNITED NATIONS<br />
COIN AND FLAG SERIES<br />
Join UNPA <strong>for</strong> a first day of issue ceremony at the Postage <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Mega-Event in New York on 5 October 2006 commemorating the launch of<br />
its new Coin and Flag Series.<br />
The series, which is expected to run <strong>for</strong> approximately eight years, will<br />
feature 24 UN Member States each year until all Member States are issued.<br />
The first set of twenty-four commemorative stamps consisting of three<br />
mini-sheets will be issued in the denominations of 39¢, F.s. 0,85 and 0,55.<br />
A special Coin and Flag folder will also be issued on the same day.<br />
Call toll-free 1-800-234-UNPA (9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday).<br />
You may also fax your order to: 1-212-963-9854;<br />
or e-mail: unpanyinquiries@un.org<br />
UNITED NATIONS POSTAL ADMINISTRATION<br />
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, NY 10017<br />
http://unstamps.un.org
Mapping Out U.S. <strong>Stamp</strong> Issues<br />
Being a teacher and stamp enthusiast, I try to encourage my stamp club members to<br />
become proficient map readers. Since I work with students in third, fourth and fifth<br />
grades, I find that many of them are not well-versed in using a United States map.<br />
To key our stamps with<br />
our 50 states we mount a<br />
map in the room we use<br />
<strong>for</strong> our club meetings. We<br />
browse through our collection<br />
of U.S. stamps and<br />
try to adhere them to particular<br />
states with hinges.<br />
We then explain why a<br />
particular stamp warrants<br />
being placed on a particular<br />
state.<br />
This is a great means to<br />
enhance an understanding<br />
of where each of the 50 states is located and why a stamp has a particular significance.<br />
A good example is the 29-cent issue of 1991, commemorating the basketball centennial.<br />
While the game is played in all 50 states, the Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, MA.<br />
A student with this stamp<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> Camp USA<br />
September–October Events<br />
September 23 — Scranton, PA, Public Library<br />
October 2 — Adult Leader Workshop, Macon, GA<br />
October 5 — Naples, FL (tentative — call <strong>for</strong> details)<br />
Youth & Philately<br />
Robert Finnegan<br />
10 O’Neill Drive, Oneonta NY 13820-1154<br />
e-mail: rfinnegan@stny.rr.com<br />
Download page at www.nystampclubs.org<br />
149 E. Main Street, P. O. Box 377<br />
Knoxville, PA 16928-0377<br />
Phone: (814) 326-0810<br />
Fax: (814) 326-0815<br />
stampcampusa@intergate.com<br />
could then mount it on the<br />
state of Massachusetts.<br />
By year’s end, it is our<br />
goal to have all 50 states<br />
covered with 50 different<br />
stamps. Imagine all the<br />
learning that will take place<br />
in the process.<br />
Editor’s Note: Free outline<br />
maps of the entire U.S. and<br />
single states may be found at<br />
www.50states.com/maps.<br />
32 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
The Story Behind the <strong>Stamp</strong> by Daniel A. Piazza<br />
U.S. 2005 Lunar New Year Double Sided Pane of 24<br />
In 1988, the Organization of Chinese Americans<br />
began lobbying the USPS to promote<br />
their cultural heritage. Clarence Lee was<br />
commissioned to design the 1992 Chinese<br />
New Year stamp (Scott 2720). His cut-paper<br />
rooster and Chinese calligraphy on a red<br />
background was popular not only here, but<br />
also in China where 2 million were reportedly<br />
sold. The USPS decided to continue the series,<br />
and Lee created a stamp featuring a different<br />
animal of the Chinese zodiac <strong>for</strong> the next 11<br />
years, culminating with the 37-cent Year of<br />
the Monkey (Scott 3832) in 2004. USPS planned to end the series in 2005 with a miniature<br />
sheet of all 12 stamps redenominated with the first-class rate, 37 cents.<br />
Intending it as an honor <strong>for</strong> Lee, the USPS was surprised when some Chinese were horrified.<br />
The problem: 12 × 37 cents = $4.44, and many Chinese have an almost pathological<br />
fear of the number four, unlucky because when spoken in Cantonese it sounds like the word<br />
<strong>for</strong> death. The fear is apparently deadly <strong>for</strong> some: a study in the December 22, 2001 issue of<br />
the British Medical Journal suggested that Chinese patients were 13 percent more likely to<br />
die of a heart attack on the fourth of the month. When the number must be written, it is<br />
often enclosed in a circle to isolate its harmful powers. Tetraphobia is widespread in Asia.<br />
Japan’s All Nippon Airways has no seats or rows numbered four on any of its aircraft. USPS<br />
redesigned the sheet as a double-sided pane of 24 (Scott 3895) — the first issue of its kind;<br />
all previous double-sided panes were sold in booklet <strong>for</strong>m only. The new face value, $8.88,<br />
was much more acceptable; the Chinese word <strong>for</strong> eight sounds similar to that <strong>for</strong> prosperity,<br />
so it is considered lucky.<br />
The panes were released<br />
January 6, 2005 in Honolulu.<br />
The set was reissued this year<br />
as a sheet of 12 reflecting the<br />
new 39-cent rate.<br />
Sources: Jay Bigalke, “New<br />
39¢ New Year <strong>Stamp</strong>s”, in<br />
Linn’s <strong>Stamp</strong> News, December<br />
5, 2005, and Vicki Viotti,<br />
“Chinese New Year stamps<br />
to be celebrated” in the Honolulu<br />
Advertiser, December<br />
12, 2004.<br />
Douglas Weisz U.S. Covers<br />
FDCs, Naval, Flights, Events,<br />
Postal History, and Stationery<br />
P.O. Box 1458<br />
McMurray, PA 15317-4458<br />
773-914-4332<br />
E-mail:<br />
weiszcovers@adelphia.net<br />
September / October 2006 33
Mystic Bought O<br />
In <strong>Stamp</strong>s L<br />
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Mystic <strong>Stamp</strong> Company<br />
Attention: Buying Department<br />
9700 Mill Street, Camden, N.Y. 13316<br />
BA702<br />
Phone: 1-800-835-3609 Fax: 1-800-385-4919<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>Buyer@Mystic<strong>Stamp</strong>.com<br />
Copyright © 2006 Mystic <strong>Stamp</strong> Company, Inc.
36 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Communications<br />
Share your opinions!<br />
Send to: Albert W. Starkweather<br />
5520 Gunn Hwy 1406, Tampa, FL 33624–2847<br />
e-mail astarkweather@nystampclubs.org<br />
The <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> As A Travel Companion<br />
I<br />
brought along the July / August 2006 issue of the <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong> to read while accompanying my son, Kevin, on a<br />
more than 2,400-mile journey from Berrien Springs, MI to<br />
Auburn, WA, southeast of Seattle, where he has accepted a<br />
teaching position.<br />
The new issue of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> is outstanding,<br />
and what a difference full color has made. Congratulations<br />
on the Gold Medal in the APS Chapter Activities<br />
Committee competition <strong>for</strong> 2006. You are now in a class<br />
of your own.<br />
Your trans<strong>for</strong>mation of The Philatelic Communicator<br />
is also quite newsworthy — another outstanding job in<br />
philatelic journalism.<br />
Reuben A. Ramkissoon, Oak Brook, IL<br />
Washington 2006 Photos Praised<br />
To Thomas M. Fortunato:<br />
I thought the photo of the kids on the floor was particularly good as were you in<br />
the Press Room, Mr. Zip, the first day ceremony crowd, and the overhead bourse shot.<br />
(<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, May / June)<br />
Gordon C. Morison, Potomac, MD<br />
Executive Director Washington 2006<br />
Editor’s note: Credit <strong>for</strong> the great photographs of Washington 2006 is shared by John<br />
S. Babbitt, Daniel A. Piazza, and Keith and Judy Routson. Journal readers will be seeing<br />
much more of John Babbitt’s work in future issues.<br />
Enjoyed Uncle Sam<br />
I particularly enjoyed the Uncle Sam article in the latest issue of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>.<br />
Hans Niedermair, News Editor, Canadian <strong>Stamp</strong> News<br />
Editor’s note: Readers may expect more articles on deltiology as it relates to philately<br />
from Ruth Sabo. Her husband, Al, is preparing an article on World War II patriotic covers<br />
<strong>for</strong> the November / December issue.<br />
Excellent<br />
I just received a copy of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>. Excellent! The staff of the <strong>Insider</strong> should be<br />
very proud of the magazine. All the hard work really produced a first rate publication.<br />
Wayne Turkowski, Recording Secretary, Utica <strong>Stamp</strong> Club
APS Chapter 1276<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Fridays most months at<br />
Glens Falls National Bank Community Room, 13 South St.<br />
Dr. W. R. Hanson, 78 W. Notre Dame, Glens Falls, NY 12801-2721<br />
drhanson@localnet.com, 518-798-9592<br />
Directions — Call Joe Kopczak be<strong>for</strong>e 9 p.m. at 518-761-0020<br />
Adirondack <strong>Stamp</strong>,<br />
Post Card &<br />
Ephemera Club<br />
September Meeting Dates Changed<br />
Due to Labor Day and a scheduling conflict <strong>for</strong> a guest speaker, the members voted to<br />
change our meeting dates to the second and fourth Fridays in September. We revert<br />
to our regular schedule in October. Our late summer and fall schedule includes:<br />
Sept. 8 — Show & Tell and Trading to show off goodies and offer items <strong>for</strong> sale or trade.<br />
Doc Hanson and Conrad Novick will show their recent cachets.<br />
Sept. 22 — Federation President John Nunes, will speak on the World War II stamps<br />
and postal history of non-German Nazi Legions.<br />
Oct. 6 — Club President Doc Hanson, MD, will speak on collecting possessions, trust<br />
territories, administered areas, and other material not listed in the U.S. Specialized Catalog.<br />
Oct. 20 — TBA; some surprises are promised. It will be time to plan the Christmas party.<br />
On July 29 the Baker Street Irregulars, the international organization of Sherlock Holmes<br />
aficionados, met at Saratoga Race Track <strong>for</strong> the Silver Blaze Race in remembrance of<br />
the Conan Doyle story. Doc<br />
Hanson designed a pictorial<br />
cancel and cacheted card<br />
with various horse stamps<br />
that is available from William<br />
R. Hanson, MD, 78 W.<br />
Notre Dame, Glens Falls, NY<br />
12801 <strong>for</strong> $4.50 postpaid.<br />
Conrad Novick displayed<br />
his medal-winning sevenframe<br />
exhibit, Space-the<br />
Final Frontier as told in U.S.<br />
first day covers at our Aug.<br />
18 meeting.<br />
His first day covers <strong>for</strong><br />
the Disney Romance quartet,<br />
one of which is shown here,<br />
are $13.99 plus $1 shipping<br />
from Conrad Novick, 96<br />
Feeder Dam Road, South<br />
Glens Falls, NY 12803.<br />
September / October 2006 37
APS Chapter 37<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. twice monthly on Fridays at VFW Leonard Post,<br />
2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga, except June, July, and August<br />
Alfred Carroccia, 152 Windmill Road, West Seneca, NY 14218-3776<br />
fuzzy9600@verizon.net, 716-674-0302<br />
Club Enjoys Summer Picnic and Auction<br />
The club ceases its activities <strong>for</strong> the summer except <strong>for</strong> the annual picnic. This year’s<br />
event was held on August 19 at Meegan Manor, the home of member Bob Meegan. Besides<br />
food, drink, and fun, an impromptu auction was held under the trees. Past auctions<br />
have seen quality material go at bargain prices. A more complete report will appear later.<br />
Directors Elect New Officers —The Board of Directors met July 8 to elect officers and set<br />
the 2006–2007 calendar. Any member in good standing may run <strong>for</strong> a board seat which has<br />
a term of three years; only a board member can hold office. Board members, any office they<br />
hold, and the year their term expires are: Bob Meegan, president 2008; Alan Davis, vice president<br />
2009; Alfred Carroccia, secretary 2007; Bill Witschard, treasurer 2007; Casey Kielbasa,<br />
membership chairman 2009; Tim Carey, 2009; George Gates, 2008; Jim Littell, 2008; Benito<br />
Passentino, 2009; Dan Sherwood, 2007; Floyd Silliman, 2007; and Kevin Suckow, 2008.<br />
Calendar<br />
Sept. 8 — Auction<br />
Sept. 22 — Ann Triggle (tentative)<br />
Oct. 6 — Auction<br />
Oct. 20 — Directors Choice — open<br />
Nov. 3 — Auction<br />
Nov. 17 — Set up <strong>for</strong> Bourse<br />
Nov. 18 — Autumn <strong>Stamp</strong> Festival<br />
Dec. 1 — Auction / Holiday Party<br />
2007<br />
Jan. 5 — Auction<br />
Jan. 19 — Exhibition Program by Bob Meegan<br />
Feb. 2 — Auction<br />
Feb. 16 — Fundamentals of <strong>Stamp</strong>s by Alfred Carroccia<br />
March 2 — Bufpex setup<br />
March 3, 4 — Bufpex<br />
March 16 — Auction<br />
April 6 — Auction<br />
April 20 — Casey Kielbasa surprise presentation<br />
May 4 — Auction<br />
May 18 — Buffalo Postal History by Irv Tesmer<br />
June 1 — Auction<br />
38 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
Central New York FDC Society<br />
AFDCS Chapter 53<br />
John A. Cali, 613 W. 4th St., Fulton, NY 13069-3104<br />
rocket@dreamscape.com, 315-592-4441<br />
CNY<br />
FDCS<br />
53<br />
White Plains Commemorated Losing Battle<br />
By Heather Sweeting<br />
T<br />
he Battle of White Plains, on October 28, 1776, pitted the British Army against<br />
American troops led by Gen. George Washington. The British <strong>for</strong>ced the Americans<br />
to retreat northward from White Plains, New York, and were the victors of this skirmish.<br />
The two-cent stamp (Scott No. 629) was issued to mark the 150th anniversary of the<br />
battle. It was somewhat unusual that a stamp was issued in honor of a battle which the<br />
U.S. did not win.<br />
The design of the stamp was modeled after a painting by E. F. Ward showing four<br />
soldiers in continental uni<strong>for</strong>m and a cannon. There are two flags in the lower corners<br />
of the stamp, the Continental flag (left side) and the “Liberty or Death” flag, first used<br />
in the White Plains battle. Dr. Jason Parker of White Plains submitted the design to the<br />
BEP <strong>for</strong> review.<br />
The stamp was first<br />
placed on sale October 18,<br />
1926, at the White Plains<br />
post office. A corresponding<br />
souvenir sheet, the first ever<br />
issued by the U.S. (Scott No.<br />
630), was issued at the International<br />
Philatelic Exhibition<br />
held at Grand Central<br />
Palace, New York City, from<br />
October 16 to 23.<br />
The souvenir sheet, of<br />
which only a little more<br />
than 100,000 were printed,<br />
had 25 stamps and bore the<br />
marginal inscription “International<br />
Philatelic Exhibition, October 16 to 23, 1926, New York, N.Y., U.S.A.” Regular<br />
sheets of this issue contained 100 stamps.<br />
The first day covers of this stamp, which primarily bear the date October 18, were<br />
among the first to be largely distributed with corresponding artwork on the envelope.<br />
The concept of cachets on envelopes owes much of its lineage to this event.<br />
September / October 2006 39
APS Chapter 781<br />
Meets at 7:45 p.m. on the 1st Monday September–June<br />
at Hamilton Public Library on the Green, 13 Broad St.<br />
Braden Houston, President, 2063 Spring St. Hamilton, NY 13346-2259<br />
bhouston@mail.colgate.edu, 315-824-2237<br />
Mystic Tour Takers<br />
From left: Chenango Valley<br />
Club President Braden Houston,<br />
Robert Betz, Frank Lee,<br />
and Bob Holcomb.<br />
Club Visits Mystic <strong>Stamp</strong> Company<br />
Four members of the CVCS made a June visit to the Mystic <strong>Stamp</strong> Company in Camden.<br />
Our guided tour was most in<strong>for</strong>mative and the Mystic employees were very accommodating<br />
during our hour-long excursion.<br />
Meetings Resuming: Don’t <strong>for</strong>get that our club meetings will resume at 7:45 p.m. on<br />
September 4 at Hamilton Public Library.<br />
Bob Betz’ Corner<br />
Through the 1930s air mail was available from Europe to North and South America with<br />
the German airship Hindenburg. Although most was philatelically generated, this cover was<br />
used <strong>for</strong> family-to-family correspondence. It was given the red zeppelin cachet either at the<br />
departure point — Frankfurt am Main’s Rhine-Main Flughaven (airport) or aboard the airship<br />
which worked mail enroute to its destinations. The cover was carried on flight 129-20 on<br />
August 5–8, 1936 to the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, NJ, which handled lighter-than-air<br />
flights of both the Hindenburg and its predecessor, the Graf Zeppelin. Zeppelin flights were<br />
met by U.S. domestic airlines <strong>for</strong> passengers traveling to and from other destinations.<br />
1936 image of DC-3 and Hindenburg courtesy NAVAIR<br />
40 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 1196<br />
Meets at 2 p.m. on the 3rd Sunday at Dansville Town<br />
Hall, 14 Clara Barton St., September through June<br />
Susan Edwards, P.O. Box 574, Dansville, NY 14437-0574<br />
see10@frontiernet.net, 585-335-8663<br />
Dansville<br />
Coin&<strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Area<br />
Club<br />
Club Considering A Fall Show<br />
The regular meeting of the Dansville Area Coin & <strong>Stamp</strong> Club was called to order in<br />
June, with 18 members present. This was the last meeting <strong>for</strong> the summer; we have<br />
July and August off. The secretary’s minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted<br />
and the treasurer’s report was read and accepted.<br />
We discussed how well the Coin-O-Rama show went. Some of the dealers at the show<br />
were interested in having a fall show. We will write up a proposal and then we will talk<br />
more about it. At next year’s Coin-O- Rama we will have a stamp prize.<br />
We had another new member join the club in June — Todd Stauring.<br />
We picked our raffle and door prizes and the pill drawing name, but the winner was<br />
not present.<br />
Piazza Named Communicator Associate Editor<br />
Daniel A. Piazza has been named associate editor<br />
of the Philatelic Communicator by Editor Albert W.<br />
Starkweather. His duties will include sharing editing and<br />
proofreading chores, along with writing. Piazza also will<br />
be reviewing electronic media, including CDs, DVDs, and<br />
Web sites.<br />
A Ph.D. candidate in history at Syracuse University, Piazza<br />
is also contributing editor and columnist <strong>for</strong> the <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong>; governor-at-large of the Vatican Philatelic Society<br />
(VPS) and associate editor of its journal, Vatican Notes; and<br />
Webmaster <strong>for</strong> the VPS and Syracuse <strong>Stamp</strong> Club, as well<br />
as a vice president of Syracuse <strong>Stamp</strong> Club. He is to become<br />
editor of Vatican Notes in July 2007.<br />
He is also a member of the American Philatelic Society,<br />
APS Writers Unit 30, and VPS New York Chapter.<br />
Piazza’s traditional collecting interests include: U.S. Daniel A. Piazza<br />
stamps, BEP period (1894–1979), margin singles and<br />
blocks; Vatican City stamps, all years, margin singles and blocks; Italy stamps, all years,<br />
used singles; and Roman States stamps, 1852-1868, used singles.<br />
His topical collecting interests include: Illuminated manuscripts on stamps, and<br />
Dante Alighieri on stamps.<br />
September / October 2006 41
Elmira <strong>Stamp</strong> Club<br />
42 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
APS Chapter 237<br />
Meets at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7) the 3rd Tuesday at Five Star<br />
Bank Community Room, 351 N. Main St. (rear entrance)<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> circuit available<br />
Alan Parsons, 809 Holley Road, Elmira, NY 14901-1212<br />
alatholleyrd@aol.com, 607-732-0181<br />
STEPEX 2006 Celebrating Centennial<br />
of Watkins Glen State Park<br />
S<br />
tepex 2006, Elmira <strong>Stamp</strong> Club’s 31st annual show, will be October 6 and 7 at the Arnot<br />
Mall, Interstate 86 exit 51, Horseheads. The centennial of the creation of Watkins<br />
Glen State Park, a Wonder of the Finger Lakes, in 1906 is the theme of the show.<br />
Show hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.<br />
There will be commemorative cover, pictorial cancel, and program relating to the creation<br />
of the park. It will depict the park and will be franked with a Wonders of America stamp.<br />
There will be up to 60 exhibits and space is still available. The bourse will have 12 to 15<br />
dealers primarily from New York and Pennsylvania. The USPS will offer current philatelic<br />
products and provide the pictorial cancel. The commemorative cover and cancel may be<br />
purchased at club meetings after the show or by mail <strong>for</strong> $2 each and #10 sase from Robert<br />
Barron, 147 Gray St., Apt. 812, Elmira, NY 14901.<br />
Adult and junior exhibits will be judged separately and awards will be made in both<br />
categories by a Federation of New York Philatelic Societies jury . Show visitors will vote<br />
<strong>for</strong> the most popular exhibit. The judges will hold a critique Saturday afternoon <strong>for</strong> the<br />
benefit of exhibitors and anyone else interested in exhibiting.<br />
Those wishing to exhibit may contact Alan Parsons, 809 Holley Rd., Elmira, NY 14905,<br />
607-732-0181,alatholleyrd@aol.com, <strong>for</strong> an entry <strong>for</strong>m. Frames are free to our club<br />
members and juniors; $4 per frame to others.<br />
Help is needed Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. to set up exhibit frames, on Oct. 6 at 7:30 a.m. to mount<br />
exhibits, and on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., to take down the show. We need two members at all<br />
times. Please sign up at the September meeting.<br />
November Super Auction: Manager Don Dolan needs lots no later than the September<br />
meeting so he can display them at Stepex.<br />
Elmira College Octagon Fair: Judy Stewart is coordinating our participation in this<br />
event on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the campus. She needs volunteers to set-up<br />
from 7 and 9 a.m., tear down after 4 p.m., and to run the club table during the fair. Contact<br />
her at 607-732-7075, marjuretired@aol.com, 330 Washington Ave, Elmira 14901.<br />
Other News: We extend condolences to the family of long-time member Francis Jelliff,<br />
who died June 26 at 84. The club has paid the final installment of its $1,750 APS pledge.<br />
Programs<br />
Sept. 19 — Auction<br />
Oct. 17 — Slide program TBA
E<br />
1<br />
. S<br />
. P. H<br />
F O U N D E D<br />
9<br />
6<br />
. S<br />
7<br />
.<br />
EMPIRE STATE<br />
POSTAL HISTORY<br />
SOCIETY<br />
APS Unit 28<br />
www.esphs.org<br />
Meets twice annually<br />
Membership info: George McGowan<br />
P.O. Box 482, E.Schodack, NY 12063-0483<br />
geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com, 518-479-4396<br />
A Puzzling Letter from Long Ago<br />
By Heather Sweeting<br />
I<br />
n today’s world a letter without a zip code or proper address will be rejected by computer<br />
sorting machines rather quickly. Not so 100 years ago, when a letter’s address could be<br />
merely a name and a town. How did the mail get delivered? Not quite as rapidly as it does<br />
now, but often in a unique manner. This sender of this letter from Allen in Allegany County<br />
on April 5, 1882, which bears an untied manuscript pen cancel on a three-cent bank note<br />
stamp, used a bit of creativity <strong>for</strong> the address which is written almost as a limerick.<br />
To Ephraim B. Clark this letter is penned / To Richburg post office it there<strong>for</strong>e please send /<br />
County of Allegany New York State / Which always <strong>for</strong> freedom and union goes straight / So<br />
hurry it through and ask not from whence / For there is no dollars in it and but little sense<br />
The contents are even more cryptic. A small piece of paper is inscribed on one side To<br />
Ephraim B. Clark. The reverse says Nancy Ann Clark the wife of Ira Clark Died July the 26th 1864.<br />
Now you can keep this. Was this a letter from Ira to his brother Ephraim with family genealogical<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation? Was something else enclosed as well, perhaps a picture? We will never know.<br />
One would assume that even in 1882 someone spending three cents to mail a letter would<br />
have tried to get their money’s worth and include more than a fragment of paper.<br />
The 1880 state census lists an Ephraim B. Clark, farmer, born in 1825 and living in Ellicottville,<br />
Cattaraugus County, New York with a wife and two sons, but it is unlikely that it<br />
is the same person. The birth of an Ira Clark at Allen in 1817 is listed in the International<br />
Genealogical Index (www.familysearch.org), which is a fantastic research tool if you are<br />
searching your family tree, or any person who might have written a letter long ago.<br />
September / October 2006 43
FINGER LAKES<br />
STA M P<br />
CLU B<br />
APS Chapter 428<br />
Meets at 8 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at the Sawdust<br />
Cafe, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva<br />
James Darnell, 136 Lock St., Clyde, NY 14433-1117<br />
jdarnell@novocon.net, 315-923-7355<br />
Two New Covers Now Available<br />
Galen Historical Society<br />
and we produced a<br />
double 37- and 39-cent Ronald<br />
Reagan commemorative<br />
FDC. Send $3 each and a #10<br />
sase to Galen Historical Society,<br />
c/o Jim Darnell, 136 Lock<br />
St., Clyde, NY 14433-1117.<br />
We also issued A Celebration<br />
of the Mora Automobile cachet<br />
and pictorial cancellation<br />
at a pre-1915 auto show in<br />
Newark on August 13. The<br />
Newark-built Mora Brownie is<br />
featured on the cover’s photo<br />
stamp. Send $3 each ($5.50<br />
<strong>for</strong> two) and a #10 sase to Gil<br />
Lewis, 502 Rt. 88 S., Newark,<br />
NY 14513-9015.<br />
Treasurer Gary Chicoine<br />
resigned at the June 14 meeting<br />
after serving <strong>for</strong> 20 years and was voted a life member. Shirley Stowell of Newark is<br />
his successor. At our July 26 meeting we learned of the death of <strong>for</strong>mer member and past<br />
president Robert Grier in Allison Park, PA, at 77. He loved to design and produce commemorative<br />
cachets, especially sports-related themes. Our program was a club history trivia<br />
quiz gleaned from the records by Secretary Jim Darnell. Three teams with our three longest<br />
members — Sam Braverman, Bill Scheetz, and Gary Chicoine — as captains, competed<br />
on the 30-question quiz. Among many other things our newer members learned that:<br />
• The club’s first meeting was at the Civic Center in Geneva on January 26, 1950.<br />
• The club had 10 charter members with Wolfgang Fritzsche, who produced several<br />
APS slide shows, as its first president.<br />
• Original club dues were $2 per year and did not increase until 1977.<br />
Sam Braverman’s team, which included Les Morse and Shirley Stowell, won the quiz.<br />
44 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 138<br />
Incorporating Women’s Seal and <strong>Stamp</strong> Club<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday at Bethany Re<strong>for</strong>med<br />
Church Community Center, 760 New Scotland Ave., Albany<br />
Maris Tirums, P.O. Box 5475, Albany NY 12205-0475<br />
mxtirums@hotmail.com, 518-438-1657<br />
Welcoming Back Our Club Members<br />
By the time you are reading this we will be into our fall season, and this year’s program<br />
schedule looks to be a good mix of interesting and educational topics. On September<br />
12, our opening night, we have Bob Markovits speaking on Carrier <strong>Stamp</strong>s, (Scott No.<br />
LO1–LO6), and Bob’s talks are always a treat.<br />
We welcome back Bob Borden from Eastern Massachusetts on September 26. He will<br />
entertain us with Cheap Covers from Exotic Places and also bring a bit of philatelic humor.<br />
Summer Auction<br />
Fort Orange joined in the fun at the Tri-Club summer picnic and auction on July 30.<br />
There were about 100 lots with a wide range of material. Traveling some distance to join us<br />
was Glenn Estus from the new North Country <strong>Stamp</strong> Club in Plattsburgh. However the prize<br />
<strong>for</strong> traveling the furthest went to Vicki Miller’s niece, Becky, who joined us from Israel.<br />
Programs<br />
Oct. 10 — Tonga, the Friendly Islands by Steve Gray<br />
Oct. 24 — The First Irish Overprints by Tom Hanley<br />
George McGowan photo<br />
Fort Orange Picnickers<br />
Among those attending the Tri-Club summer picnic and auction were, from left, John<br />
Adamac, Glenn Estus, John McCoy, John J. Nunes, Vicki Miller, Maris Tirums, Don Van-<br />
Hosen, and Don Nolett (standing).<br />
September / October 2006 45
FORT<br />
STANWIX<br />
CLUB<br />
STAMP<br />
APS Chapter 1227<br />
Incorporating Community <strong>Stamp</strong> Club<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. on the 4th Thursday except<br />
July and August at Rome Municipal Building, Second Floor<br />
Lavinia A. Tilton, 8081 Passer Road, Blossvale, NY 13308-2232<br />
315-337-8841<br />
Fort Stanwix Covers A Tradition Since 1958<br />
The Fort Stanwix <strong>Stamp</strong> Club was started around 1920 as the Copper City <strong>Stamp</strong> Club.<br />
The name was changed in 1977. The club began preparing cachets <strong>for</strong> Fort Stanwix in<br />
1958, the bicentennial of the <strong>for</strong>t that was built in 1758 by the British. Fort Stanwix was<br />
restored and garrisoned by American <strong>for</strong>ces in 1776. The <strong>for</strong>t guarded the overland route<br />
from the Mohawk River to Wood Creek and the west. On August 3, 1777, which is now celebrated<br />
as Fort Stanwix Day, the Stars and Stripes was first flown in the face of the enemy.<br />
The club has issued a cachet yearly since 1958 to honor this day.<br />
Each of our club members specializes in different <strong>for</strong>ms of stamp collecting. My<br />
specialty is Fort Stanwix Day cachets and I have all but one. In 2000 the club used the<br />
Stars and Stripes sheet of 20 stamps. I purchased a full set, but later discovered an error.<br />
I received two cachets with 29-star flags and failed to receive the 33-star Fort Sumter flag<br />
of 1861. I would like to exhibit my collection, but feel I cannot until I acquire the missing<br />
cover. I will exchange my duplicate 29-star flag cover <strong>for</strong> the 33-star flag cover.<br />
Fort Stanwix National Monument is administered by the National Park Service and<br />
is an accurate reconstruction of the <strong>for</strong>t on its original location based on old plans and<br />
archeological excavations. It was named <strong>for</strong> its builder, Gen. John Stanwix. The <strong>for</strong>t was<br />
square with corner bastions surrounded by a ditch 10 feet deep. Behind the walls were<br />
casements, or bunkers, to house and protect the men from small arms fire. There were<br />
700 defenders of the <strong>for</strong>t, including a few women, during the August 1777 siege. Gen.<br />
Nicholas Herkimer brought a relief <strong>for</strong>ce to help the garrison, which was under the command<br />
of Col. Peter Gansevoort., but was ambushed about six miles east of the <strong>for</strong>t at<br />
Oriskany. Both sides took heavy losses during the battle.<br />
— Lavinia A. Tilton<br />
Cachet Available<br />
This year’s Fort Stanwix<br />
Day cover is still available.<br />
It is franked with either the<br />
first class Liberty and Flag<br />
or the Purple Heart stamp.<br />
They are $3 each or two <strong>for</strong><br />
$5 plus a sase from Lavinia<br />
A. Tilton, 8018 Passer Road,<br />
Blossvale, NY 13308.<br />
46 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 1193<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday except July and August;<br />
contact John A. Cali <strong>for</strong> location<br />
John A. Cali, 613 W. 4th St., Fulton, NY 13069-3104<br />
rocket@dreamscape.com, 315-592-4441<br />
Club Marking 25th Year as APS Chapter<br />
One of our most prominent events this year is Fulton <strong>Stamp</strong> Club’s 25th year as a<br />
chapter of the American Philatelic Society. We hope to mark the anniversary with<br />
something special that members can remember.<br />
The club participated in a July 22 pictorial cancel <strong>for</strong> the Volney Bicentennial as was<br />
noted in a previous issue of the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>. John A. Cali was invited to the bash and<br />
was very pleased at the reception. Everyone<br />
present was happy with the results, especially<br />
the U.S. Postal Service.<br />
Hannibal Bicentennial<br />
Hannibal’s bicentennial events will continue<br />
this fall. Celebrations were held in August<br />
and are continuing between September<br />
and October.<br />
Pictorial cancels have been suggested<br />
and are expected to be approved. The proposed<br />
pictorial is shown here. Three dates<br />
have been submitted to the USPS <strong>for</strong> possible<br />
use at the various events.<br />
Still No Meeting Place<br />
We continue our struggle in finding a meeting<br />
place. It appears that meetings will be<br />
conducted in members’ homes until the<br />
matter is resolved.<br />
Another Viewpoint<br />
Daniel A. Piazza, a <strong>for</strong>mer Staten Island resident,<br />
believes the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connecting<br />
Staten Island and Brooklyn is notable <strong>for</strong><br />
another reason — its high tolls. There<strong>for</strong>e, he<br />
created an alternate Wonders of America design.<br />
Residents of both boroughs complain the bridge<br />
has had a negative impact on their communities,<br />
a battle that has raged since it opened in 1964.<br />
September / October 2006 47
APS Chapter 210<br />
Meets from 7:30–9:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday<br />
in Room 384, Morrison Hall at Cornell University<br />
Yoram B. Szekeley, 104 Klinewoods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850-2229<br />
yszekely@twcny.rr.com, 607-257-5346<br />
Members Have Varied Collecting Interests<br />
Our club members have a great variety of collecting interests. One common element is<br />
that most primarily are interested in <strong>for</strong>eign issues, although a few also collect used U.S.<br />
new issues. Two collect virtually the entire world, except <strong>for</strong> sand dunes and similar notorious<br />
stamp mills. Another member collects about 35 countries plus half a dozen topicals including<br />
flags, bridges, automobiles, music, stamps-on-stamps, and No. 1 issues of the world.<br />
The remaining members collect only a few countries each, typically three or four. Popular<br />
countries are Canada, Australia, Great Britain, other British Empire, Germany including the<br />
<strong>for</strong>mer East Germany, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Russia, South Africa, France, Italy, China.<br />
Our members generally prefer used stamps, but occasionally will accept mint in cases where<br />
the used version is considerably more expensive or difficult to find. There is little interest in<br />
covers and postal stationery per se, although the <strong>for</strong>mer are sometimes bought at our auctions<br />
<strong>for</strong> the sake of the stamps.<br />
We continue to get some very nice batches of kiloware from a Syracuse area dealer,<br />
available at some of our first meetings of the month. This has proved to be very popular<br />
with our members.<br />
We have learned that the Ithaca Post Office offers guided tours of its facilities and services<br />
to civic groups. It has been suggested that the club might be interested in taking such<br />
a tour, and we plan to discuss the possibility in the near future.<br />
Our members are greatly enjoying the redesigned <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> and are looking <strong>for</strong>ward<br />
to receiving each new issue.<br />
Fifty Years Ago<br />
Committee <strong>for</strong> the 1956 Federation<br />
exhibition and banquet<br />
on April 14–15 at Rome<br />
YMCA , was from left, standing,<br />
Cleon A. Morey, Anton<br />
H. Zahm, Frank Rostkwicz;<br />
seated, Frederick L. Scholl,<br />
Duane Wheeler, and David<br />
C. Morey.<br />
Photo by John Ball<br />
48 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 1334<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday at the Tillapaugh home,<br />
28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, except in July and August<br />
Ellen Tillapaugh, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY 13326-1049<br />
kuchtill@verizon.net, 607-547-5646<br />
Leatherstocking<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Club<br />
Club Looks Forward To Fall Meetings<br />
The club will resume its regular schedule on September 5 after taking its summer hiatus<br />
in July and August. Albert Keck will present a program on Brooklyn Dodgers Cove.<br />
Programs<br />
Oct. 3 — What Have You Got?<br />
Nov. 7 — History of Mr. Zip by Ellen Tillapaugh<br />
A Short Philatelic Quiz: Historic Figures on <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
By Terrill S. Miller<br />
1. Name the Civil War Army officers born in Ohio who became U.S. presidents.<br />
2. The stories of this humorist included Uncle Remus, Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.<br />
3. This accomplished aviation pioneer invented the aileron, the Jenny, and the first<br />
land–sea plane with a retractable landing gear.<br />
4. This president, a War of 1812 hero, fought the British, Spaniards, French, Indians,<br />
the U.S. bank, and anyone else who crossed him.<br />
5. A Democratic Congressman from Texas, he was speaker of the House from 1940 until<br />
his death in 1961, except <strong>for</strong> four years of Republican control.<br />
6. After a life of failure, this Civil War Union general was most famous <strong>for</strong> the Battle of<br />
Atlanta and the March to the Sea.<br />
7. A successful but unhappy star, she appeared in many movies, including the Wizard<br />
of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and the Andy Hardy series.<br />
8. After meeting Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell she organized the Girl Scouts<br />
of America in Savannah, GA, in 1912.<br />
9. A Champion of Liberty, this Italian leader led his Redshirts in the battle to unify Italy.<br />
10. This Vermont born admiral led his fleet to defeat the Spanish at Manila Bay in 1898.<br />
11. This Georgia-born doctor may have been the first to operate using ether <strong>for</strong> anesthesia.<br />
12. This New England poet is most famous <strong>for</strong> The Village Blacksmith and Evangeline.<br />
13. This Irish-born composer is best known <strong>for</strong> Naughty Marietta and Babes in Toyland.<br />
14. A London-born labor leader and cigar maker, he founded the AFL in 1891.<br />
15. Nicknamed <strong>for</strong> the Kentucky town where he was born, this railroad engineer rode<br />
the Illinois Cannonball to his death in 1900.<br />
16. This Oklahoma humorist, who never met a man he didn’t like, died with Wiley Post in<br />
an Alaska plane crash in 1935.<br />
Answers on Page 64<br />
September / October 2006 49
North Country<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> Club<br />
Plattsburgh, New York<br />
Meets at 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month in the second<br />
floor meeting room of Plattsburgh Public Library, 19 Oak St.<br />
Glenn A. Estus, P.O. Box 451, Westport, NY 12993-0451<br />
gestus@westelcom.com, 518-962-4558<br />
Memorial Event May Cancel September Meeting<br />
The next club meeting should be on Sept. 9. However, it<br />
might not happen because the second Saturday of the<br />
month is the annual celebration of the Battle of Plattsburgh<br />
which took place on Sept. 11, 1814. Both Theodore Roosevelt<br />
and Winston Churchill called it the decisive battle of<br />
the War of 1812. If the United<br />
States had not won, there<br />
is a good chance that most of<br />
northern New York and New<br />
England would have become<br />
part of Canada.<br />
At the time we would be<br />
meeting, the celebration parade<br />
will be starting. In 2005,<br />
Thomas Macdonough, right,<br />
and Stephen Decatur are<br />
shown on the two-cent 1937<br />
Navy stamp. (Scott No. 791)<br />
50 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Glenn Estus relaxes be<strong>for</strong>e<br />
the auction at the Tri-Club<br />
picnic in Latham on July 30.<br />
the parade ended with a mass gathering of marching and<br />
bagpipe bands at the foot of the Macdonough Monument<br />
playing of the U.S., Canadian, and United Kingdom national<br />
anthems, followed by Amazing Grace. Thousands of people<br />
will attend the commemoration.<br />
The club logo depicts the Macdonough Monument,<br />
which was dedicated in 1926 to the Battle of Plattsburgh<br />
and Commodore Thomas Macdonough, commander of the<br />
American Fleet. The 135 foot obelisk was designed by John<br />
Russell Pope, who also designed Plattsburgh City Hall, the National Gallery in Washington,<br />
DC, and the Jefferson Memorial.<br />
In 1989, the 175th anniversary of the battle, the <strong>for</strong>mer Plattsburgh <strong>Stamp</strong> Club sponsored<br />
a special one-day cancellation and sold more than 500 cacheted covers. Beginning in<br />
1999, a special cancel has been used every year except <strong>for</strong> 2005, when the post office <strong>for</strong>got to<br />
have one made. I would expect a special cancellation will be available again this year.<br />
Two area stamp shows coming up: Oct. 7, Crossroads <strong>Stamp</strong> Show in Quechee, Vermont,<br />
and Oct. 21, Champex at Christ the King School in Burlington, Vermont. I have also<br />
heard rumors of a new two-day show starting on the South Shore in Quebec, which means<br />
you would not have to drive into Montreal itself.<br />
George McGowan photo
OLEAN AREA STAMP CLUB<br />
APS Chapter 1442<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Monday (one week later on legal<br />
holidays) at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 109 S. Barry St.<br />
Jack Searles, 733 Front St., Olean, NY 14760-2851<br />
searles@adelphia.net, 716-392-1072<br />
George McGowan photo<br />
Club Gearing Up <strong>for</strong> Olepex 2006<br />
Club members are preparing <strong>for</strong> their annual show — Olepex 2006. The event will be<br />
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, at the John Ash Community Center,<br />
112 N. Barry St. in Olean.<br />
Show chair Fred Printz said seven dealers have signed up <strong>for</strong> the show, which will feature<br />
64 frames of exhibits and a U.S. Postal Service booth. Ronald J. Yeager is bourse chairman.<br />
Our monthly auctions continue to do well, averaging about $40 per month in June and<br />
July. They usually contain around 20 lots.<br />
Arnold Leiter Dies at 76<br />
Arnold (Arnie) Allen Leiter, 76, of Watervliet, owner of<br />
Uncle Sam <strong>Stamp</strong> & Coin Shop in Watervliet and a longtime<br />
member of the Uncle Sam <strong>Stamp</strong> Club of Troy, died<br />
August 14 in Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital.<br />
He was born November 5, 1929 in Waynesboro, PA, son of<br />
the late Lewis Richard and Florence Heptrick Leiter. His wife of<br />
47 years, Pauline Lutz Leiter, died on December 28, 2004.<br />
Leiter served in the U.S. Coast Guard <strong>for</strong> more than<br />
20 years and was honorably discharged in 1968. He had<br />
been keeper of the historic Fire Island Light on Long Island<br />
Sound from March 14, 1957 to December 14, 1959.<br />
Arnie Leiter, right, is shown<br />
with Federation President<br />
John J. Nunes at the 2005<br />
Uncle Sam Christmas party.<br />
After retirement from the service he worked briefly at Gurley Precision Instruments in<br />
Troy and Montgomery Ward in Menands. He founded Uncle Sam <strong>Stamp</strong> and Coin Shop in<br />
Menands and moved it to its present location in Watervliet after the mall closed. His favorite<br />
hobbies were philately and music appreciation. He was a member of the Uncle Sam <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Club of Troy, Fort Orange <strong>Stamp</strong> Club, and the American Philatelic Society.<br />
Survivors include two children, Veronica (Kevin) Bleakley of Brunswick and Charles<br />
Leiter of Troy; two grandchildren, Kevin and Francis Bleakley; four brothers and sisters,<br />
Joyce (Donald) Sommer of Maryland, Kenneth (Mildred) Leiter of Virginia, Glenn Leiter<br />
of West Virginia and Harold (Mary) Leiter of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He<br />
was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Donald, and a sister, Jacqueline.<br />
Burial was in Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuyerville. Donations may be made to<br />
the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Albany, NY 12211 in Leiter’s memory.<br />
September / October 2006 51
Club Resuming Meetings<br />
APS Chapter 728<br />
Meets at 6 p.m. on the 4th Monday at Faith United Church,<br />
12 Mark Fitzgibbons Drive<br />
Leigh LeClair, 212 Murray St., Oswego, NY 13126-4032<br />
pleclair@northnet.org , 315-342-5653<br />
The club will resume meetings after its summer hiatus at 6 p.m. on September 25.<br />
Several Oswego members attended philatelic bourses over the summer, including the<br />
1000 Islands show at Clayton in July, and Americover in August.<br />
The Oswego County Town of Minetto once again gave away free cachets to any resident<br />
attending the annual Magic in Minetto Celebration. This was the first pictorial cancellation<br />
<strong>for</strong> the new Minetto postmaster, Debra A. Ketcham.<br />
Ketcham was appointed Officer-In-Charge on April, 28 and was officially appointed<br />
postmaster on July 22. She brought a wide variety of philatelic items, including stuffed<br />
animals, and the new Disney postcard booklets. Customers had fun picking out their<br />
favorite stamp to put on their cachet.<br />
The pictorial cancellation, celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Minetto’s<br />
first settler, Schuyler Worden, known as the creator of the Worden Grape. Two different<br />
cachets were made, the first bearing an antique label from a Worden Grape fruit crate,<br />
and the second bearing a reproduction of an antique lithograph of the Worden Grape.<br />
Residents who live on Worden Drive were especially pleased with the covers.<br />
Happy Birthday, Minetto!<br />
Heathr Sweeting photo<br />
52 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 207<br />
www.geocities.com/rpastamps<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Thursday<br />
at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Winton Road<br />
Joseph Doles, P.O. Box 10206, Brighton Sta., Rochester, NY 14610-0206<br />
jdoles@rochester.rr.com, 585-621-3012<br />
Fall Season Starts on September 14<br />
Our fall season starts September 14. At the time this column was being written, the<br />
schedule of programs had not yet been completed. We hope to see you at the first<br />
meeting. If not we meet again on September 28.<br />
Ropex 2007 Plans Moving Along<br />
The Ropex committee has had several meetings this summer and plans <strong>for</strong> the 2007 show are<br />
well under way. We will be holding the show from May 18 to May 20. The theme has been<br />
agreed upon. Honoring: 50th Anniversary of Sputnik (Friday), Ice Hockey (Saturday), 100th<br />
Anniversary of Scout Camp (Sunday). We are in the Main Arena (without the ice) at the ESL<br />
Sports Centre, 2700 Brighton-<br />
Henrietta Townline Road, on<br />
the Monroe Community College<br />
campus. It has free wireless<br />
Internet access, including<br />
in its restaurant, snack<br />
bar, and meeting rooms. The<br />
facility is air conditioned and<br />
handicapped accessible. The<br />
lighting is unbelievably good.<br />
The arena is south of the city<br />
off I-390 and 10 minutes away from the Thruway and airport. Several moderately-priced<br />
hotels and motels and restaurants <strong>for</strong> every taste and budget are nearby. Marketplace Mall<br />
is down the road with more than 125 shops.<br />
The next issue of our Hinges & Tongs newsletter will contain a registration <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> membership,<br />
which may be duplicated. Any member recruiting two new candidates will receive<br />
next year’s dues free. This has been a long-standing way of promoting membership.<br />
RPA members who either receive the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> as part of the drop shipment to<br />
the organization or who do not receive it at all because they are unable to attend meetings,<br />
now can have the journal mailed directly to their homes. There will be no additional<br />
cost <strong>for</strong> those already receiving the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> and a nominal charge of $3.30 a year<br />
<strong>for</strong> those who have not been receiving it. If you wish to receive the <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> by mail,<br />
please send a letter or e-mail to Albert W. Starkweather, Editor, <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, 5520<br />
Gunn Hwy. #1406, Tampa, FL 33624-2847; astarkweather@nystampclubs.org. If you<br />
haven’t seen the new and improved <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>, please request a sample copy.<br />
September / October 2006 53
SCHENECTADY STAMP CLUB<br />
ORGANIZED<br />
SCHAU-NAUGH-TA-DA<br />
1930<br />
APS Chapter 153<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Monday<br />
at Union Presbyterian Church, 1068 Park Ave.<br />
Ronald K. Ratch<strong>for</strong>d, 1105 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308-2805<br />
ronaldkratch<strong>for</strong>d@yahoo.com, 518-374-3776<br />
Club Particpated in Washington Observances<br />
The bicentennial of George Washington’s birth was observed in 1932. On January 1, the<br />
U.S. Post Office Department issued a series of 12 stamps — each with a different depiction<br />
of Washington. This was followed by numerous other philatelic observances.<br />
One observance involved a cachet sponsored by the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce<br />
and the Schenectady <strong>Stamp</strong> Club to mark the sesquicentennial of the second visit<br />
of Washington to Schenectady on June 30, 1932. There was extensive publicity <strong>for</strong> the<br />
printed cachet that would be applied — apparently without charge — to stamped and<br />
addressed envelopes submitted by collectors. There was great variability in size, shape,<br />
paper quality, and color <strong>for</strong> the envelopes, as well as in the stamps affixed. The entire set<br />
of 12 Washington Bicentennial stamps might have been used on a single cover.<br />
Based upon a newspaper account, it would appear that the destinations <strong>for</strong> the special<br />
cacheted envelopes included every one of the then 48 states, Canada, Germany, Switzerland,<br />
Italy, France, Poland, South Africa, India, Australia, Japan, China, and the Philippines.<br />
“Those sending <strong>for</strong> covers with the cachet were asked to leave the envelopes unsealed<br />
and those who complied with this request are receiving a copy of an address given recently<br />
by Han<strong>for</strong>d Robison of this city, secretary of the St. George’s Lodge, be<strong>for</strong>e the Sons of the<br />
American Revolution. It has been printed on a sheet of paper of a size to fit on a stamp<br />
album page.” (The Schenectady Gazette, Thursday, June 30, 1932, page 8)<br />
It appears that 10,094 cacheted items were handled <strong>for</strong> the event. I believe that a sequential<br />
number may have been applied to the reverse side of each. I don’t know whether<br />
the count may have included any postal cards or postcards. This was at least the third<br />
cachet <strong>for</strong> the club since its founding only slightly more than 18 months earlier.<br />
54 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 814<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Monday except July and<br />
August at the Rev. Paul Kroon Center of Messiah Lutheran<br />
Church, 195 Jefferson Blvd., Annandale, Staten Island<br />
Charles R. Carlson, 30 Hopping Ave., Staten Island, NY 10307-1219<br />
kccarlson@aol.com, 718-984-7880<br />
Staten Island<br />
Philatelic Society<br />
Keeping Busy During the Summer Hiatus<br />
Sips goes on hiatus every July and August, and as I write this we need it. High temperatures<br />
and high humidity are not conducive to philately. I wrote the same to a Costa Rica collector<br />
in Florida, and have no idea how philately is actually carried out in that country. How<br />
anyone survived be<strong>for</strong>e air conditioning is a mystery. I was there last summer and my hotels<br />
varied between no air conditioning and meat storage lockers. Un<strong>for</strong>tunately in the few days I<br />
was there I never found a post office or stamp store open, and only stumbled onto the philatelic<br />
agency in San Jose on a Sunday afternoon, followed by a Monday morning departure.<br />
The biggest event <strong>for</strong> our members was Washington 2006. Three of the six members who<br />
attended our last meeting at a pizzeria in June had attended the show. I was there <strong>for</strong> only a<br />
day, but one member was there every day, admitting he was broke and tired by the end. The<br />
show was staggering, with unbelievable exhibits, and crowded dealers’ tables. Exhibits of<br />
early Afghanistan and post-war Austria were both fabulous, and enlightening to me. A benefit<br />
<strong>for</strong> me was discovering the Society of Costa Rica Collectors (www.socorico.org) booth,<br />
where I was enticed into membership. It was not a hard sell. I tried to sign in at every society<br />
to which I belong. I never did sign in at one, at which one member hogged the attention of<br />
the booth attendant and the membership sign-in book <strong>for</strong> more than three hours. The Collectors’<br />
Club of New York has already started work on the next U.S. international, scheduled<br />
<strong>for</strong> 2016 in New York City. They will have to work to match the success of the Washington<br />
show, but under the command of Wade Saadi, I have every confidence they will surpass it.<br />
I attended a bourse in New Jersey a few weeks ago that had less than half of the usual dealers<br />
and only a fraction of the usual buyers. The manager does not expect an upturn until October.<br />
On the other hand, I was not crowded as I examined dealers’ stocks at leisure and found<br />
much of what I wanted at good prices. Another SIPS member was pleased at what he found<br />
(and bought). Most of the dealers were less happy, but then, our objectives were different.<br />
We are writing a summer letter to APS members who live on Staten Island but are not<br />
club members. APS provides mailing labels to member clubs <strong>for</strong> $20 a hundred <strong>for</strong> the<br />
ZIP codes they need. We have found it a useful way of announcing our presence to APS<br />
members who do not know about us. We’ve gotten a few new members through our summer<br />
mailings, although the majority of mailings yield only a few responses. There seems<br />
to be a vast reluctance to join a local club. We don’t bite anyone who shows up, really.<br />
Happy Philately! I’m hoping <strong>for</strong> a break in this un-philatelic weather soon. Even with<br />
my air conditioner on, this weather is hard on my collection, and even harder on me. My<br />
opinion may change by January, but I doubt it.<br />
September / October 2006 55
Steuben <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Club<br />
APS Chapter 1357<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday, except July, August, October,<br />
at Kanestio Historical Society Building, 23 Main St., Canisteo<br />
Sue Babbitt, 1990 Square Woods Drive, Canisteo, NY 14823-1250<br />
babbitts@stny.rr.com, 607-698-2062<br />
The Eagle Stands Proud in Kanona<br />
The eagle has been a proud symbol of the U.S. Postal Service since August 12, 1970, the<br />
day President Richard M. Nixon signed into law the Postal Reorganization Act converting<br />
the Post Office Department into an independent establishment of the executive branch.<br />
It was at this time the USPS announced the adoption of a new seal. It featured a bald<br />
eagle poised <strong>for</strong> flight on a white field, above red and blue bars framing the words U.S.<br />
Mail and surrounded by a square border with the words United States Postal Service on<br />
three sides and nine five pointed stars at the base.<br />
In 1869 the eagle appeared <strong>for</strong> the first time on U.S. stamps and has been a familiar<br />
sight ever since. So when a large dead spruce tree in front of the Kanona Post Office<br />
needed to come down, Postmaster Cathy Harvey made special arrangements <strong>for</strong> the tree<br />
to live on in another way. Through creative chain saw artist Joe Gerych, the tree trunk was<br />
trans<strong>for</strong>med into a visible symbol of the United States — the eagle.<br />
To spotlight the event, the Kanona Post Office offered a special pictorial one day cancel<br />
to commemorate the tree’s trans<strong>for</strong>mation. To add a special touch to a handful of covers<br />
Ms. Harvey used a photo stamp that featured a picture of the post office. Kanona, New York,<br />
is a small village in Steuben County. Its post office was established on February 9, 1825.<br />
56 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
Chain Saw Art<br />
Chain saw artist Joe Gerych, upper left,<br />
carves breast feathers on the eagle.<br />
Steuben <strong>Stamp</strong> Club member John S.<br />
Babbitt, above, displays a Kanona cover<br />
franked with a photo stamp and having<br />
the eagle pictorial cancellation.<br />
John S. Babbitt photos
APS Chapter 50<br />
www.syracusestampclub.org<br />
Meets at 8 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Friday at the<br />
Re<strong>for</strong>med Church of Syracuse, 1228 Teall Ave.<br />
Allen Swift, P. O. Box 593, East Syracuse, NY 13057-0593<br />
agsses@aol.com, 315-457-3201<br />
YRACUSE<br />
STAMP<br />
CLUB<br />
Dates Set <strong>for</strong> Syrapex 2007<br />
The club has set the dates <strong>for</strong> its biennnial show. Syrapex 2007 is scheduled <strong>for</strong> November<br />
10 and 11. Please watch this column <strong>for</strong> further details.<br />
Programs<br />
Sept. 1 — Everyone a Dealer Night<br />
Sept. 15 — It Started With a Lick by Vince Juchimek<br />
Sept. 29 — Auction featuring catalogues<br />
Oct. 6 — Annual Open House<br />
Oct. 20 — Auction<br />
Nov. 1 — Syracusiana: bring a Syracuse-related philatelic item to show and tell<br />
Picnic<br />
Time in<br />
Syracuse<br />
Daniel A. Piazza photos<br />
The club picnic was July 29 at Richard Nuhn’s home on Cross Lake, Jordan. Clockwise from<br />
upper left: Nuhn steams up mahogany littlenecks; Vince and Dianne Juchimek on deck;<br />
Bin and Jinwen Liu relax with Ralph Lind; and the Steele family: Lisa, Jim, and Jeremy.<br />
September / October 2006 57
APS Chapter 292<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. except July and August on the 3rd Monday<br />
at Sidney Civic Center, 21 Liberty St.<br />
Robert Finnegan, 10 O’Neill Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820-1154<br />
rfinnegan@stny.rr.com, 607-432-8141<br />
Meetings Resume on September 18<br />
The club will begin its philatelic year with its first meeting on September 18. The Program<br />
Committee of William Bauer, Spike Paranya, and Robert Finnegan have put<br />
together the year’s program.<br />
Programs<br />
2006<br />
Sept. 18 — APS slide program Around the World in 80 <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
Oct. 16 — APS slide program The Doctoring of Postage <strong>Stamp</strong>s — Philatelists Beware<br />
Nov. 20 — Penny Sale: Bring in stamps to be sold <strong>for</strong> one-cent each. Proceeds to treasury.<br />
Dec. 18 — APS slide program Life Through the Ages<br />
2007<br />
Jan. 8 — Linn’s <strong>Stamp</strong> Poll and Member Show and Tell<br />
Feb. 12 — To be determined<br />
March 19 — Annual Philatelic Game Night<br />
April 16 — APS slide program August Dietz Collection of Confederate <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
May 21 — Kid’s Night<br />
June 18 — Dinner at Sidney Country Club<br />
Annual Dues<br />
Bob Finnegan reminds all members that their annual dues are to be paid. Individual<br />
memberships are $8, while family memberships are $10. Those wishing to get the <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong> should pay $12. The <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong> is our Federation’s monthly publication and is<br />
now done in full color. It provides advertisements, interesting articles and also the news of<br />
member clubs within the Federation. It would be sent directly to your home.<br />
Jeb Maybe?<br />
This cover’s main point of<br />
interest is the corner card.<br />
How many covers with<br />
names identical to a famous<br />
person may lurk in dealer’s<br />
boxes? Submitted by Norman<br />
Cohen.<br />
58 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 240<br />
Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday<br />
Meeting place to be determined<br />
Terrill S. Miller, P.O. Box 335, Troy, NY 12181-0335<br />
unclesamty@aol.com, 518-869-6872<br />
UNCLE SAM STAMP CLUB<br />
TROY,<br />
N.Y.<br />
George McGowan photos<br />
Picnic Fun<br />
John J. Nunes, left, displays his<br />
Competition Night award. John<br />
McCoy, above left, and Don Nolett<br />
poke through a box of catalogues,<br />
seeking treasures<br />
Summer Picnic and Auction A Success<br />
The club held its annual summer picnic in conjunction with the Tri Club Picnic and Auction<br />
at Lanthiers Grove in Latham on July 30. Favors were provided by Peg Kosinski and John J.<br />
Nunes was presented his award <strong>for</strong> the best exhibit at last spring’s Competition Night.<br />
On a sad note, we learned of the death of long-time member and owner of Uncle Sam<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> & Coin, Arnie Leiter. He will be sorely missed. See obituary on Page 51.<br />
Breaking News<br />
Holmes & Watson Ltd. has decided to end our relationship and we are presently looking<br />
<strong>for</strong> another meeting place. As we get closer to our first meeting, members should be hearing<br />
from President Terrill S. Miller.<br />
Programs<br />
Sept. 6 — <strong>Stamp</strong>s and Covers of Lundy Island by Tom Auletta<br />
Sept. 10 — Annual Uncle Sam Parade in North Troy<br />
Sept. 20 — Drift Mail by John J. Nunes<br />
Oct. 4 — Tonga, the Friendly Islands by Steve Gray<br />
Oct. 18 — Members fall Auction<br />
September / October 2006 59
Valley ofBuffaloFamily Life<strong>Stamp</strong>Club<br />
APS Chapter 1537<br />
Meets in<strong>for</strong>mally at noon Tuesdays at the Masonic<br />
Community Center, 2379 Union Rd., Cheektowaga<br />
John L. Leszak, 2379 Union Rd., Cheektowaga , NY 14227-2234<br />
coverconnection@aol.com, 716-668-2755<br />
Mozart: A Prolific Composer <strong>for</strong> Masons<br />
This year Vienna and all classical musicians are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the<br />
birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was 28 years old when he joined a Masonic<br />
Lodge in the autumn of 1784. He remained a member until his death in 1791.<br />
Mozart apparently was sponsored in his petition to join Masonry by the Baron Otto Freiherr<br />
von Gemmingen-Hornberg, Master of Zur Wohltataigkeit (Charity) Lodge. Mozart had<br />
met Gemmingen in Mannheim. His name was put be<strong>for</strong>e the Lodge on December 5, 1784,<br />
and he appears to have received the Entered Apprentice Degree on December 14. On January<br />
7, 1785, he received the Fellow Craft Degree at Zur wahren Eintracht (True Harmony)<br />
Lodge at the request of his home Lodge. On April 22, he received the Master Mason Degree.<br />
He wrote his opera, Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) the same year that he was<br />
initiated. Mozart was greatly honored by his induction to the fraternal lodge. In 1785, he<br />
composed his Maurerische Trauermusik (Masonic Funeral Music) <strong>for</strong> orchestra in C minor<br />
and Opening and Closing Odes <strong>for</strong> Lodge Crowned Hope. One of his most beautiful Masonic<br />
works, Gesellenreise (Fellow Craft’s Journey) was written <strong>for</strong> the initiation of his father,<br />
Leopold Mozart, on April 16, 1785.<br />
His last great opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), opened in Vienna on September 30,<br />
1791 and is thought to contain many mystical and secret references to Masonic rituals. The<br />
number three had a deep significance <strong>for</strong> the Masons, and it keeps occurring throughout Die<br />
Zauberflöte: three ladies, three boys, three temples, etc. The opera’s home key of E flat was used<br />
by Mozart <strong>for</strong> his Masonic compositions because the key signature contained three flats.<br />
The Vatican, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Mali, Bosnia, Germany, Portugal, and numerous<br />
other countries have released Mozart stamps in this anniversary year.<br />
— By Heather Sweeting<br />
60 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
APS Chapter 66<br />
Meets at 7 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the month (except July<br />
and August) at New Hart<strong>for</strong>d Town Library, 2 Library Lane<br />
Jerome F. Wagner, 160 Proctor Blvd., Utica, NY 13501-6119<br />
315-732-0219<br />
GREATER UTICA<br />
STAMP<br />
CLUB<br />
Back of Book Program in the Offing<br />
Arthur Baker will present a program on U.S. back of the book materials when we resume<br />
our meetings on September 5 in our usual meeting place — the New Hart<strong>for</strong>d<br />
Public Town Library. Dr. Baker recently broke his upper right arm and has it in a sling, but<br />
has assured us this will not interfere with his presentations.<br />
Plans are being made <strong>for</strong> programs in the coming months, but are not yet complete.<br />
Canada 2007 <strong>Stamp</strong> Program Announced<br />
Canada Post has announced its program <strong>for</strong> 2007. It will begin on January 5 with an<br />
issue celebrating the Year of the Pig. This is the 11th year a Lunar New Year issue has<br />
been released. A second birthday stamp following this year’s design will be issued in mid-<br />
January. A stamp commemorating the 125th anniversary of the first International Polar<br />
Year will come in February.<br />
A March 1 issue will feature lilacs. Other spring issues include the next installment in the<br />
Arts Canada set (Mary Pratt), the 100th anniversary of the University of Saskatchewan, and<br />
four stamps featuring endangered species. The 150th anniversary of the selection of Ottawa<br />
as Canada’s capital city will be commemorated on May 3.<br />
The east and west coasts will be showcased in June with stamps honoring the golden anniversary<br />
of the founding of Terra Nova National Park, where the North Atlantic touches the<br />
boreal <strong>for</strong>est of eastern Newfoundland, and the 250th birthday of Captain George Vancouver,<br />
after whom the city is named.<br />
Coming in July are a stamp honoring the centennial of Jasper National Park, five stamps<br />
devoted to French settlement of what became Canada, a stamp honoring Chief Membertou,<br />
and one showcasing Canada’s hosting duties <strong>for</strong> the FIFA World Youth Championships. The<br />
celebration of 100 years of Scouting in Canada will be recognized with a stamp in August.<br />
Fall issues will celebrate the 100th anniversaries of the Law Societies of Saskatchewan<br />
and Alberta and 100 years of higher learning at HEC Montréal. There are more than 10<br />
quintillion insects in the world and in October millions of them will infest post offices<br />
across Canada when new low-value definitives featuring insects are issued <strong>for</strong> <strong>Stamp</strong> Collecting<br />
Month. This activity is celebrated around the world as an opportunity to issue<br />
stamps of particular interest to youth.<br />
The 2007 program will close with a stamp honoring the Royal Architectural Institute<br />
of Canada and the Christmas issues, which will feature reindeer and imagery symbolizing<br />
Christmas wishes <strong>for</strong> peace, joy, and hope.<br />
September / October 2006 61
Prestige Covers<br />
Buying and Selling<br />
Worldwide Postal History<br />
P.O. Box 972 — Grand Island, NY 14072-0972<br />
PAUL ZIPP<br />
JAMES LITTELL<br />
716-695-1517 716-694-3562<br />
zepplincat@wzrd.com<br />
Suburban <strong>Stamp</strong>s, Coins<br />
& Collectibles<br />
Always Buying<br />
315•452•0593<br />
Open: Tuesday 10–5, Wednesday 10–7<br />
Thursday & Friday 10–5, Saturday 9–1<br />
120 Kreischer Road<br />
North Syracuse, NY 13212-3251<br />
Just off Taft Road 1⁄2 mile east of Rt. 81<br />
Mark Szuba Julian Szuba Edward Bailey<br />
Buy ö Sell ö Trade<br />
Big “E” Coins & <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
RD2 • Box 158<br />
Munnsville, NY 13409-9754<br />
Ernest Lewis<br />
315•495•6235<br />
<strong>Shows</strong>/Bourses<br />
September<br />
3 — Rochester<br />
RS <strong>Stamp</strong> Show, Eagle’s<br />
Club, 1200 Buffalo Rd.10–4.<br />
Bourse. John J. Nunes,<br />
518-399-8395, e-mail:<br />
nunesnook@aol.com.<br />
9 — Olean<br />
Olean <strong>Stamp</strong> Club Olepex<br />
2006. John Ash Community<br />
Center, 112 N. Barry St.<br />
Dealers, exhibits, USPS.<br />
Fred Printz, 716-372-1782;<br />
e-mail: printz@netsync.net.<br />
10 — Syracuse<br />
Syracuse <strong>Stamp</strong>, Coin &<br />
Collectibles Show, Holiday<br />
Inn, Carrier Circle, Thruway<br />
exit 35. 10–4:30. Bourse. Ed<br />
Bailey, 315-452-0593.<br />
17 — Albany<br />
Capital District <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Show, Clarion Hotel, 3<br />
Watervliet Ave. 10–4. Bourse.<br />
John J. Nunes, 518-399-8395,<br />
e-mail: nunesnook@aol.com.<br />
17 — Cheektowaga<br />
Buffalo Numismatic Assn.<br />
Monthly Bourse. 10–5.<br />
Knights of Columbus, 2735<br />
Union Rd. 716-663-4104.<br />
24 — West Seneca<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>, Coin, Postcard &<br />
Collectibles Show, Harvey<br />
D. Morin VFW Post 2940, 965<br />
Center Rd. 10–4. Bourse. Victor<br />
Drajem, 716-656-8080.<br />
October<br />
5–8 — New York City<br />
ASDA Postage <strong>Stamp</strong> Mega-<br />
Event, Madison Square<br />
Garden, 34th and 7th Ave.<br />
10–6 Thursday–Saturday,<br />
10–4 Sunday. 516-759-7000;<br />
e-mail asdashows@erols.com.<br />
6-7 — Horseheads<br />
Elmira <strong>Stamp</strong> Club Stepex<br />
2006, Arnot Mall. 10–9:30<br />
62 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
Friday , 10–6 Saturday. Dealers,<br />
exhibits, USP, show cancel<br />
and cachet. Alan Parsons,<br />
e-mail: alatholleyrd@aol.com.<br />
7–8 — Cheektowaga<br />
Buffalo Numismatic Assn.<br />
Fall Convention. 10–5 Saturday,<br />
10–3 Sunday. Knights<br />
of Columbus, 2735 Union<br />
Rd. 716-663-4104.<br />
13–15 Toronto<br />
CSDA Toronto National,<br />
Queen Elizabeth Building,<br />
Exhibition Place. 11–6 Friday,<br />
10–6 Saturday, 10–4 Sunday.<br />
Dealers, Canada Post.Web:<br />
www.csdaonline.com; e-mail:<br />
secretary@csdaonline.com.<br />
15 — Albany<br />
Capital District <strong>Stamp</strong><br />
Show, Clarion Hotel, 3<br />
Watervliet Ave. 10–4. Bourse.<br />
John J. Nunes, 518-399-8395,<br />
e-mail: nunesnook@aol.com.<br />
15 — Cheektowaga<br />
Buffalo Numismatic Assn.<br />
Monthly Bourse. 10–5.<br />
Knights of Columbus, 2735<br />
Union Rd. 716-663-4104.<br />
21–22 — Albany<br />
Nunesnook and New England<br />
ASDA NEASDA Mania,<br />
Clarion Hotel, 3 Watervliet<br />
Ave. 10–6 Saturday, 9–4<br />
Sunday. Bourse, educagtional<br />
exhibits, John J. Nunes,<br />
518-399-8395, e-mail:<br />
nunesnook@aol.com.<br />
21–22 — Lakewood<br />
Fentopex XL, YWCA Lake<br />
Lodge, Terrace Ave., Lakewood,<br />
10–5 Saturday, 10–4<br />
Sunday. Dealers, exhibits.<br />
Leslie Davis, 716-386-5885.<br />
22 — West Seneca<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>, Coin, Postcard &<br />
Collectibles Show, Harvey<br />
D. Morin VFW Post 2940, 965<br />
Center Rd. 10–4. Bourse. Victor<br />
Drajem, 716-656-8080.<br />
LED Illuminated Magnifiers<br />
The only magnifier on the market that uses multiple LEDs<br />
<strong>for</strong> perfect uni<strong>for</strong>m illumination. (U.S. Patented)<br />
APS<br />
Pocket Magnifying Glass<br />
3x, 6x & 10x<br />
with integrated LED<br />
lamp illumination<br />
Used by stamp, coin, jewelry, gun, and miniatures collectors.<br />
Also great <strong>for</strong> reading those small detail areas of your map,<br />
especially in low light conditions.<br />
Call toll free: 1-866-543-2832 http://www.Lifatec.com<br />
LiFaTeC USA LLC, P.O. Box 914, 12 Railroad Street, Jordan, NY 13080-9732<br />
BNAPS<br />
George McGowan<br />
Covers and <strong>Stamp</strong>s<br />
U.S., UN, British Colonies, Topics<br />
P.O. Box 482<br />
geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com<br />
East Schodack, NY 12063-0483 (518) 479-4396<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>, Coin, Postcard<br />
& Collectibles Show<br />
SUNDAY Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.<br />
September 24 October 22<br />
november 26 december 10<br />
Free Admission<br />
& Parking!<br />
Harvey D. Morin VFW Post 2940 Contact: Victor Drajem<br />
965 Center Rd., West Seneca, NY phone: 716-656-8080<br />
September / October 2006 63
Unusual U.S. Scott #210<br />
Covers Always Wanted<br />
Norman Cohen<br />
P.O. Box 29543<br />
Dallas, TX 75229-0543<br />
WANTED<br />
Benjamin Harrison on cover. Scott 308, 622, 694, 828<br />
Long Island postal history, M.O.B. cancels from New York<br />
Frank Braithwaite<br />
56 Morewood Drive<br />
Smithtown, NY 11787<br />
fbraith@optonline.net<br />
Do you like to draw or paint and<br />
meet people from all over?<br />
The Art Cover Exchange may<br />
be <strong>for</strong> you! Write to Joe Doles<br />
105 Lawson Rd., Rochester, NY<br />
14616-1444 or go to our Web site:<br />
www.artcoverexchange.org<br />
Join the American First Day Cover Society<br />
• Get a unique perspective on stamp collecting<br />
• Learn about first day cover collecting<br />
• Enjoy FIRST DAYS magazine<br />
• Contact us today!<br />
AFDCS, P.O. Box 16277, Tuscon, AZ 85732-6277<br />
Phone 520-321-0880 • Website www.afdcs.org<br />
Fascinated byPostalHistory?<br />
The Empire State Postal History<br />
Society Wants You!<br />
Join today and receive EXCELSIOR!, the biannual<br />
journal, and the quarterly Bulletin.<br />
MarisTirums, P.O. Box 5475, Albany, NY12205-0475<br />
www.esphs.org • APS Unit 28<br />
Print & Web Design<br />
Correct & On Time!<br />
Design on Demand<br />
Albert W. Starkweather<br />
552o Gunn Hwy #1406, Tampa, FL 33624-2847<br />
astarkweather@starkweatherdesign.com<br />
www.starkweatherdesign.com<br />
Want & Exchange<br />
Find & trade stamps and covers —<br />
$2 per issue <strong>for</strong> up to 25 words or $3 <strong>for</strong><br />
up to 50 words. These may not be used<br />
<strong>for</strong> commercial or promotional purposes,<br />
nor <strong>for</strong> payments in cash or stamps. Send<br />
payment and copy to the advertising<br />
manager: George McGowan, P.O. Box 482,<br />
East Schodack, NY 12063-0483; e-mail:<br />
geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com.<br />
Wanted — Covers and post cards from<br />
Newfoundland, both pre- and post Confederation.<br />
George McGowan, e-mail:<br />
geolotus2003@nycap.rr.com.<br />
Wanted — On cover singles postally used<br />
(not FDC or events) 32¢ American art,<br />
jazz musicians, American dolls, American<br />
aircraft, composers, endangered species<br />
22¢ presidential, 29¢ wildflowers, Celebrate<br />
the Century, 34¢ Greetings from<br />
America. E-mail: hsweetin@twcny.rr.com.<br />
Wanted — Sarawak stamps mint<br />
or used Scott #) 153–154. E-mail:<br />
hsweetin@twcny.rr.com.<br />
Wanted —Commercial usages on cover<br />
of U.S. Scott No. 1268 — the Dante Alighieri<br />
commemorative of 1965. Also any unusual<br />
material related to this issue. E-mail:<br />
dpiazza@twcny.rr.com.<br />
Quiz Answers<br />
1. Grant, Hayes, Garfield, B. Harrison, McKinley;<br />
2. Joel Chandler Harris; 3. Glenn Hammond<br />
Curtiss; 4. Andrew Jackson; 5. Sam<br />
Rayburn; 6. William Tecumseh Sherman;<br />
7. Judy Garland; 8. Juliette Howe; 9. Guiseppe<br />
Garibaldi; 10. George Dewey; 11. Craw<strong>for</strong>d<br />
Long; 12. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow;<br />
13. Victor Herbert; 14. Samuel Gompers;<br />
15. Casey Jones; 16. Will Rogers.<br />
Correction<br />
The last line of the Fort Ticonderoga article<br />
in the May–June issue was inadvertently deleted<br />
by the printer. It should read: “… the<br />
border security question?”<br />
64 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>
Advertiser Index<br />
American First Day Cover Society............ 64<br />
Art Cover Exchange.................................... 64<br />
ASDA Mega-Event....................................... 29<br />
Azusa <strong>Stamp</strong>s and Collectibles................... 15<br />
Bejjco of Florida, Inc...................................21<br />
Frank Braithwaite....................................... 64<br />
Buffalo Numismatic Association............... 17<br />
Big “E” Coins & <strong>Stamp</strong>s................................. 62<br />
B. Trading Co............................................... 20<br />
Champion <strong>Stamp</strong> Co......................................27<br />
Norman Cohen............................................. 64<br />
Cover Connection....................................... 25<br />
Design on Demand....................................... 64<br />
eBay Vendors................................................ 23<br />
Henry Gitner Philatelists, Inc................... 11<br />
Harmer–Schau , Inc...................................... 13<br />
Empire State Postal History Society........ 64<br />
Richard D. Erat........................................... 28<br />
Hawkeye Philatelics.................................... 20<br />
Eric Jackson...................................................19<br />
Journal of Antiques & Collectibles...........19<br />
LiFaTeC USA LLC.......................................... 63<br />
Steve Malack <strong>Stamp</strong>s....................................21<br />
E. Joseph McConnell, Inc............................. 9<br />
George McGowan........................................ 63<br />
Mystic <strong>Stamp</strong> Company...........................34–35<br />
Neasda Mania..................................................5<br />
Nunesnook.......................................................7<br />
Nutmeg <strong>Stamp</strong> Sales.........Inside Back Cover<br />
Olepex 2006.....................................................5<br />
Prestige Covers............................................ 62<br />
Quality Investors, Ltd................................. 13<br />
Quality <strong>Stamp</strong>s............................................. 28<br />
R. J. Associates...............................................18<br />
Schmitt Investors, Ltd............................... 25<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> Camp USA.......................................... 32<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong>................................................ 65<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> News................................................... 23<br />
Suburban <strong>Stamp</strong>, Coins & Collectibles...... 62<br />
Syracuse <strong>Stamp</strong>s, Coins & Collectibles....... 9<br />
UN Postal Administration.......................... 31<br />
Vidi<strong>for</strong>ms Company...................... Back Cover<br />
Virtual <strong>Stamp</strong> Club...................................... 20<br />
Washington Press.......... Inside Front Cover<br />
Want & Exchange......................................... 64<br />
Douglas Weisz U.S. Covers..........................33<br />
West Seneca <strong>Shows</strong>...................................... 63<br />
Don’t Miss a Single Issue!<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong><br />
<strong>Insider</strong><br />
now everyone can receive the journal!<br />
Members of Federation-affiliated organizations not<br />
receiving the Journal may subscribe <strong>for</strong> only $3.30 per year.<br />
All others may subscribe <strong>for</strong> only $6.00 per year.<br />
Send your name, address, affiliation, and payment to:<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
P.O. Box 401<br />
Fulton, NY 13069-0401<br />
September / October 2006 65
66 <strong>Stamp</strong> <strong>Insider</strong><br />
The Last Words<br />
Heather Sweeting, Associate Editor<br />
14329 Victory St., Sterling NY 13156-3172<br />
e-mail hsweeting@nystampclubs.org<br />
Does Your Collection Need A ‘Noah’s Ark’?<br />
It has been an extremely unusual summer in upstate New York. Twice during July we had<br />
two days in which it rained four to five inches in a single day. The grand total was more<br />
than 11 inches. Several communities experienced flash flooding, clogged storm drains,<br />
sink holes in roads. An aqueduct on the Erie Canal threatened to crack and flood an entire<br />
town. Thankfully, I live on top of a hill and have excellent drains in the cellar. I don’t believe<br />
the people on the bottom of the hill, or those living near the lake were as lucky.<br />
Sadly, in the first of these rain events a portion of a bridge washed away and two trucks<br />
fell into the water below and were dragged a great distance. Both drivers were killed, one<br />
of whom was a USPS employee. Several weeks after this accident the USPS disclosed that<br />
thousands of pieces of mail destined <strong>for</strong> the New England area were destroyed after they<br />
were found to be full of toxins created by mold and water submersion.<br />
Are you prepared <strong>for</strong> a unexpected water disaster? Is your collection insured against<br />
moisture, excessive humidity, a leaky roof , or a flash flood? Do you have a separate rider<br />
on your insurance policy <strong>for</strong> these? Thinking back, I should have thrown a bag of stamps<br />
on the basement floor to soak when it was flooded.<br />
Since Hurricane Katrina, many insurance companies have amended their policies.<br />
When I recently checked a policy <strong>for</strong> a relative, I noticed that it did not cover damage from<br />
mildew created by water damage from rain, flood, or a leak. It didn’t even provide coverage<br />
<strong>for</strong> a broken plumbing fixture, such as a washing machine hose or hot water heater. In<br />
essence, I guess acts of wind and fire are covered, but nothing related to water.<br />
If a tree fell on your roof and caused a big hole in your ceiling and it rained would you<br />
be covered? If you had a fire and the fire company tried to put out the fire with water and<br />
caused damage to the drywall or other objects in your house, would that be covered?<br />
Take some time to protect and preserve your collection. This can be done in several<br />
ways, not just through insurance. Many people rent a safe deposit box to store their valuables.<br />
I wonder how those stood up to the test in New Orleans; were they watertight?<br />
Be sure to make scans, photographs, or videos of the most important pieces in your<br />
collection. Make several copies and keep them in various places. This could be helpful<br />
not only to preserve history, but to have a visual record of your collection in case of theft,<br />
fire, etc. Many specialist collections are broken up in estate sales, and years of work in<br />
assembling them are lost <strong>for</strong>ever when the items dissipate throughout the country. Once<br />
a collection is digitized it makes it really easy to write articles, (hint, hint) or create computer<br />
presentations, or even put items on eBay if you have duplicates. So, please, soak your<br />
stamps yourself. Don’t let Mother Nature do it <strong>for</strong> you!
We’re Buying!<br />
We’re obviously the first place to call because…<br />
WE PAY<br />
IMMEDIATELY!<br />
• Expert Estate Specialists<br />
• Appraisals<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong>s • Documents • Old Letters • Postcards<br />
• Autographs • Ephemera • Labels & Seals<br />
• Stocks • Bonds • Paper Money • All Collectibles<br />
CALL US TODAY!<br />
Always a FREE phone call.<br />
Toll Free: (800) 522-1607<br />
Regular Phone: (203) 792-3862 • FAX: (203) 798-7902<br />
E-Mail: buying@nutmegstamp.com<br />
www.nutmegstamp.com
. .<br />
Federation of New York<br />
Philatelic<br />
Inc.<br />
Societies,<br />
APS Chapter 191<br />
P.O. Box 401<br />
Fulton, NY 13069<br />
Return Service Requested<br />
Dated Mail — Please Rush<br />
PRSRT STD<br />
U.S. Postage Paid<br />
Dallas, TX<br />
Permit No. 3649<br />
<strong>Stamp</strong> Collectors<br />
Welcome<br />
We have a nice sample <strong>for</strong> you.<br />
Our product, the Showgard® mount is the accepted standard in the<br />
hobby <strong>for</strong> truly protecting postage stamps. If you select Showgard<br />
mounts <strong>for</strong> your stamps early in your collecting career it will save<br />
much remounting time later. The evidence is clear that collectors<br />
eventually switch to Showgard mounts.<br />
Confirm this with any experienced collector. Or proceed directly to<br />
your neighborhood dealer who will advise and sell you that important<br />
first package of Showgard mounts — the stamp mounts that<br />
need no change.<br />
The promised sample is free.<br />
Specify “welcome kit” and write:<br />
Vidi<strong>for</strong>ms Company, Inc.<br />
115 N. Route 9W, Congers, NY 10920-1722<br />
www.showgard.com<br />
Toll Free 877-507-5758